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Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Issam E. Cheikh, M.D.)

(916 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine (1968)

Professional interests include: thyroid cancer, insulin resistance, goiter , and more.

200 E 33rd Street Suite 329
Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 554-6872

Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD is an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD specializing in adult endocrinology. He graduated from University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine in 1968 and has 58 years of experience. Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD is affiliated with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Health and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital.

Office Locations

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

200 E 33rd Street Suite 329
Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 554-6872

(410) 554-6896

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5601 Loch Raven Boulevard 2nd Floor Main Hospital
Baltimore, MD 21239

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Some issues Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD can help you with:

Adrenalectomy (Adrenal Surgery)

Adrenalectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the adrenal glands, which lie above each kidney. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones that are necessary for bodily functions, such as the regulation of blood pressure and metabolism. If the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones, or if a tumor grows on them, removal of the glands is a treatment option.

Adrenal surgery can be open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that inserts a thin tube with a camera (laparoscope) through several small incisions on the abdomen. The surgeon uses the laparoscope to guide the procedure and is able to access and remove adrenal glands through the small incisions. Laparoscopic adrenal surgery lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is associated with shorter recovery periods, reduced risk of infection, and smaller scars. Although these factors may be desirable, the location of the tumor, its size, and the severity of the condition may require that an individual instead undergo open surgery. An open adrenalectomy is typically done for larger adrenal tumors and requires a single, large incision on the abdomen. Open adrenal surgery takes around 2-4 hours.

Following the operation, patients will remain in the hospital for 1-2 days for a laparoscopic adrenalectomy or 3-5 days for an open adrenalectomy. Patients will likely have a liquid diet immediately after their surgery, but should be able to return to solid foods after a day. If both of the glands are removed, patients will be given drug therapy to replace the hormones they produced.

Nutrition Counseling

Food is one of the most basic resources the human body uses for growth and energy, tied intricately to well-being. Not only can diet affect health, but certain conditions can affect how the body processes food. Nutrition is the study of this complex interaction, and when patients seek the advice of an expert to help them manage food in their life, it is called nutrition counseling.

At the most basic level, nutrition counseling can be simply a talk with a family physician. Doctors receive training in nutrition as part of their education, and they are generally qualified to make recommendations about diet for their patients. Some doctors take a professional interest in nutrition and become experts by taking extra classes or studying nutrition in their practice. In general, however, complex nutrition guidance will be referred to a nutrition specialist, generally a dietitian.

Registered dietitians are nutrition experts that have passed specific higher education, accreditation, and internship requirements. They may work in hospitals, nursing facilities, or private practices to provide nutrition therapy and advise patients about their health and diet. Like dietitians, nutritionists also work to counsel patients about food and health. Some nutritionists have degrees in nutrition or food science, but the title 'nutritionist' is not protected by law. In the United States, anyone is allowed to call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of their education level.

Nutrition counseling can be useful for anyone who is looking to get to a healthy weight, manage a chronic illness through diet, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle. Some examples of issues that benefit from nutrition counseling include:

Obesity
Eating disorders
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Food allergies
Kidney disease
Digestive disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome
Cancer
Pregnancy or lactation
Participation in competitive sports

During a nutrition counseling appointment, the provider -- doctor, nutritionist, or dietitian -- typically will look over a the patient's medical history and talk to them about their current diet, their goals, what kinds of food they like, and any problems that they are currently struggling with in their health or diet. Then the specialist will help the patient set food goals and create a customized plan to help them meet their nutritional needs. Nutrition specialists may also offer classes, workshops, cooking demonstrations, and more. Their role is not to lecture the patient about what one should be eating, but to offer education and resources to make eating healthy foods easier.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2012 were hospital care, inpatient care, lab tests and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

diabetes management	477
doctor visit	734
hospital care	715
inpatient care	715
lab tests	477
preventive care	93
vaccines	93

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2013 were hospital care, inpatient care, lab tests and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

diabetes management	445
doctor visit	633
hospital care	455
inpatient care	455
lab tests	445
preventive care	72
vaccines	72

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	187
Female	281

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	238
Black	212
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	182
From 75 to 84	141
85 and over	55
Less than 65	90

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	56
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	22
Diabetes	75
Dementia	14
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2014 were hospital care, inpatient care, lab tests and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	14
diabetes management	279
diagnostic procedures	14
doctor visit	655
hospital care	335
image guided procedures	14
inpatient care	335
lab tests	279
minimally invasive procedures	14
minor procedures	14
preventive care	61
vaccines	61

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	162
Female	233

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	205
Black	174
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	168
From 75 to 84	130
85 and over	43
Less than 65	54

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	75
Dementia	11
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2015 were lab tests, diabetes management, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

diabetes management	404
doctor visit	685
hospital care	367
inpatient care	367
lab tests	404
preventive care	71
vaccines	71

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	380
Female	504

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	402
Black	436
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	350
From 75 to 84	258
85 and over	90
Less than 65	186

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	53
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	75
Dementia	10
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2016 were lab tests, diabetes management, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	27
diabetes management	410
diagnostic procedures	27
doctor visit	729
hospital care	244
image guided procedures	27
inpatient care	244
lab tests	410
minimally invasive procedures	27
minor procedures	27
preventive care	51
vaccines	51

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	160
Female	225

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	165
Black	197
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	165
From 75 to 84	110
85 and over	46
Less than 65	64

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	50
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	52
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	75
Dementia	10
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2017 were lab tests, diabetes management, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

aspiration	14
diabetes management	400
diagnostic procedures	14
doctor visit	700
hospital care	217
image guided procedures	14
inpatient care	217
lab tests	400
minimally invasive procedures	14
minor procedures	14
preventive care	38
vaccines	38

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	150
Female	213

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	170
Black	169
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	157
From 75 to 84	104
85 and over	45
Less than 65	57

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	54
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	75
Dementia	11
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2018 were lab tests, diabetes management, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

diabetes management	410
doctor visit	647
hospital care	215
inpatient care	215
lab tests	410
nerve block	16
preventive care	29
vaccines	29

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	148
Female	231

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	168
Black	186
Hispanic	0
Asian	13
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	149
From 75 to 84	102
85 and over	49
Less than 65	79

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	53
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	75
Dementia	16
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2019 were lab tests, diabetes management, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

diabetes management	325
doctor visit	697
hospital care	234
inpatient care	234
lab tests	325
preventive care	34
vaccines	34

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	161
Female	234

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	187
Black	181
Hispanic	0
Asian	14
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	171
From 75 to 84	112
85 and over	50
Less than 65	62

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	50
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	61
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	37
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	75
Dementia	14
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care, lab tests and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

diabetes management	157
doctor visit	420
hospital care	212
inpatient care	212
lab tests	157

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	134
Female	192

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	155
Black	151
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	136
From 75 to 84	93
85 and over	42
Less than 65	55

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	52
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	63
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	75
Dementia	16
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	557
hospital care	143
inpatient care	143

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	114
Female	160

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	124
Black	129
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	116
From 75 to 84	79
85 and over	33
Less than 65	46

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	50
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	55
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	75
Dementia	14
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	517
hospital care	133
inpatient care	133

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Male	105
Female	163

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	124
Black	124
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	121
From 75 to 84	73
85 and over	36
Less than 65	38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	15
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	71
Dementia	9
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Baltimore, MD were lab tests, diabetes management, hospital care and inpatient care.

aspiration	18
diabetes management	367
diagnostic procedures	18
doctor visit	634
hospital care	297
image guided procedures	18
inpatient care	297
lab tests	367
minimally invasive procedures	18
minor procedures	18
nerve block	16
preventive care	56
vaccines	56

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD.

**Gender**
Female	221
Male	154

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	178
Asian / Pacific Islander	2
Non-Hispanic White	176
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	44
75 to 84	109
Less than 65	66
65 to 74	155

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD treated were diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	10
Osteoporosis	11
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	67
Atrial Fibrillation	11
Dementia	11
Cancer	11

Education & Training

Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD graduated from University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine in 1968. He completed residency at Union Memorial Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine: Infectious Disease and has a state license in Maryland.

Medical School: University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine (1968)

Residency: Union Memorial Hospital (1973)

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine: Infectious Disease (2011)

Licensed In: Maryland

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

MedStar Health

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: MultiPlan, Optimum Choice, Optima Health, MAMSI, Magellan Health Services, United Healthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Anthem, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Beech Street PPO, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, Aetna Medicare PFFS, CIGNA Indemnity, AmeriHealth, AARP, Medicare Advantage, TriWest, Coventry National Network PPO, Highmark, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Sentara Health Plans, WellPoint, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Humana Medicare Advantage PPO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, CIGNA PPO Plus, HealthyBlue PPO, Aetna Premier 200PD, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, IH-PPO, DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans, Aetna Advantage 6350PD, CareFirst EPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS), OCI Direct (HMO), Medicare Direct, Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans, Aetna Open Choice (PPO), OA Plus, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, IH-Network Only Plus, IH-POS, Aetna Classic 5000, Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA, CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland, Healthy Blue (HMO, POS), IH-POS Plus, Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan, Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, Choice POS II, CareFirst Blue Card Program, Choice Fund PPO, IH-EPO Plus, Aetna VA Exchange, Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS), CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced, Aetna Better Health of Virginia, Aetna Worker's Compensation Network, Options PPO Cardiac Global, Uniformed Services Family Health Plan, Aetna Advantage 5750, IH-Open HMO Option, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, Aetna Basic, CareFirst FEP Blue Focus, Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, IH-Open EPO Plus, IH-Open POS Plus, Core Essential (HMO), Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global, CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO, Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS), IH-Open HMO, Aetna Advantage 6350, M.D. IPA (HMO), Erickson Advantage Plans, POS OA, Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund), Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS), IH-Open POS II, Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO, Aetna Classic 5000PD, CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP, Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice, Aetna Student Health Insurance, Private Health Care Systems (PPO), Choice POS, Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account, IH-Indemnity, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO), United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans, IH-HMO, IH-Open Network Only Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO), Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO, Medicare FFS, Maryland Physicians Care MCO, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, Advantra Platinum (PPO), Aetna Better Health of Maryland, BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage), Choice POS II Open Access, Employee Health Plan, Navigate, Police and Fire Clinic, Network OA, Aetna Classic 3500 and CareFirst MedStar Select PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

MultiPlan

Optimum Choice

Optima Health

MAMSI

Magellan Health Services

United Healthcare Choice Plus

United Healthcare Choice

First Health PPO

Blue Choice

Great-West Healthcare

TRICARE

Coventry

TRICARE Reserve Select

Anthem

Aetna Managed Choice POS

Beech Street PPO

Aetna HMO

Kaiser Permanente

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA EPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

Aetna Medicare PFFS

CIGNA Indemnity

AmeriHealth

AARP

Medicare Advantage

TriWest

Coventry National Network PPO

Highmark

Amerigroup

United Healthcare

Medicaid

Humana

Cigna

Sentara Health Plans

WellPoint

United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice)

Humana Medicare Advantage PPO

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan

CIGNA PPO Plus

HealthyBlue PPO

Aetna Premier 200PD

MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst NASCO

Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)

M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)

CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO

IH-PPO

DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans

Aetna Advantage 6350PD

CareFirst EPO

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families

Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)

OCI Direct (HMO)

Medicare Direct

Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans

Aetna Open Choice (PPO)

OA Plus

CareFirst Administrators

United Student Resources

IH-Network Only Plus

IH-POS

Aetna Classic 5000

Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA

CareFirst Community Health Plan of Maryland

Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)

IH-POS Plus

Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan

Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA

Health Services for Children with Special Needs

Choice POS II

CareFirst Blue Card Program

Choice Fund PPO

IH-EPO Plus

Aetna VA Exchange

Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced

Aetna Better Health of Virginia

Aetna Worker's Compensation Network

Options PPO Cardiac Global

Uniformed Services Family Health Plan

Aetna Advantage 5750

IH-Open HMO Option

HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO

Aetna Basic

CareFirst FEP Blue Focus

Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance

IH-Open EPO Plus

IH-Open POS Plus

Core Essential (HMO)

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO

Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network

MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global

CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO

Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)

IH-Open HMO

Aetna Advantage 6350

M.D. IPA (HMO)

Erickson Advantage Plans

POS OA

Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)

Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)

IH-Open POS II

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO

Aetna Classic 5000PD

CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP

Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice

Aetna Student Health Insurance

Private Health Care Systems (PPO)

Choice POS

Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account

IH-Indemnity

CareFirst MedStar PPO

CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity

Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)

United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans

IH-HMO

IH-Open Network Only Plus

HumanaChoice PPO

CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO)

Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO

Medicare FFS

Maryland Physicians Care MCO

Veterans Affairs Community Care Network

Advantra Platinum (PPO)

Aetna Better Health of Maryland

BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage)

Choice POS II Open Access

Employee Health Plan

Navigate

Police and Fire Clinic

Network OA

Aetna Classic 3500

CareFirst MedStar Select PPO

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 916 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Baltimore, MD.

4.9

Overall Rating

(916 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-07-16

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Cheikh is a great doctor. He saved my life; literally. Always look forward to my visits with him. I highly recommend him, and have done so in the past.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2026-01-17

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Cheikh listens and he hears you. Takes his time and explains to make sure you understood what he telling you.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2026-02-22

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Cheikh is a very good listener. He zeroed in on my concerns and prescribed correct measures.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2022-05-05

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Cheikh is very thorough and explains his rationale.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2022-05-25

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. Cheikh is one of the best of best doctors .

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-03-02

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Cheikh was very thorough and showed empathy

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-12-19

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr Cheikh is the best. Great and caring Doctor

Overall Rating: 4.0 2022-09-28

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Could have listen more.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-05-01

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Very thorough.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-02-06

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Excellent

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Issam Essa Cheikh, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Novo Nordisk Inc	$325 Victoza $93	Tresiba $66	Ozempic $37	Saxenda $32	Norditropin $18	Other $79
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation	$198 LIPTRUZET $99	JANUMET XR $74	STEGLATRO $25
Lilly USA, LLC	$189 TRULICITY $100	JARDIANCE $30	HUMALOG $20	MOUNJARO $16	$24
SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S. LLC	$142 TOUJEO $58	SOLIQUA 100/33 $48	TZIELD $24	LANTUS $13
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc	$115 INVOKANA $115
Other	$991 JARDIANCE $199	Androgel $104	TANZEUM $89	Omnipod $53	LEQVIO $31	Other $516

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,744
Education	$216

Biography

Dr. Issam Cheikh's area of specialization is adult endocrinology. In addition to English, Dr. Cheikh speaks Arabic. His areas of expertise include the following: gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), pain, and graves disease. He is professionally affiliated with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar Union Memorial Hospital. He attended the University of Damascus Faculty of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at Union Memorial Hospital and a hospital affiliated with the University of Maryland. Dr. Cheikh's average patient rating is 5.0 stars (out of 5). He seems to be an in-network provider for Anthem, Blue California, and Coventry, as well as other insurance carriers. According to Doctor.com, he is currently accepting new patients at his office in Baltimore, MD.