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Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD

(Dr. Katharine Yao, MD)
Specializes in: Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (1994)
Professional interests include: breast surgery, partial mastectomy, breast biopsy, and more.
2650 Ridge Avenue Suite 1155
Evanston, IL 60201

Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD is a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL specializing in surgical oncology (cancer surgery). She graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1994 and has 32 years of experience. Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD is affiliated with Endeavor Health and ENDEAVOR HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP.

View Doctor's Full Profile (847) 570-1700

Office Locations

2650 Ridge Avenue Suite 1155
Evanston, IL 60201
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Some issues Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

  • Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
  • Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
  • Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
  • Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
  • Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“For those answers, we turn to breast surgeon Dr. Katharine Yao of the American College of Surgeons and NorthShore University HealthSystem.”—"More on breast cancer screening recommendations", WGN 9, October 2023
“"There was a statistically significant difference,... but the absolute difference between these two numbers is quite small," reported Katharine Yao, MD, of NorthShore University HealthSystem in...”—"Is Sentinel Node Biopsy Necessary for Older Breast Cancer Patients?", MedPage Today, April 2022
“Money raised through the event supports breast cancer research led by Dr. Katharine Yao, chief of surgical oncology at NorthShore University HealthSystem.”—"Local tennis clubs participate in 'Court the Cure' for breast cancer", The Daily Northwestern, September 2017

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

breast core needle biopsy without imaging guidance

By Affordability:

breast biopsy

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Illinois, Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD performed more breast core needle biopsy without imaging guidance procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and she also had a list price for breast biopsy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 10%

By Volume:

breast cancer surgery
mastectomy for breast cancer

In 2023, Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD performed more breast cancer surgery, and mastectomy for breast cancer procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of providers in related specialties within Illinois.

Top 25%

By Volume:

breast procedures
excision
lymph node procedures
surgical lymph node biopsy

By Affordability:

deep lymph node biopsy
lymph node biopsy
open lymph node biopsy
surgical lymph node biopsy

In 2013, among providers in related specialties within Illinois, Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD performed more breast procedures, excision, lymph node procedures, and surgical lymph node biopsy procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and she also had a list price for deep lymph node biopsy, lymph node biopsy, open lymph node biopsy, and surgical lymph node biopsy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2013 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and diagnostic procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 64
cancer surgery 52
diagnostic procedures 55
doctor visit 512
excision 95
lymph node procedures 87
minimally invasive procedures 12
minor procedures 12
open surgery 43

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 351
Black 16
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 208
From 75 to 84 130
85 and over 36
Less than 65 14

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2013

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2013 were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and depression.

Hypertension 48
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 16
Depression 16
Chronic Kidney Disease 9
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 14
Atrial Fibrilation 7
Heart Failure 6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 6
Diabetes 15
Dementia 4
Cancer 70

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2014 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 72
cancer surgery 59
diagnostic procedures 55
doctor visit 540
excision 101
lymph node procedures 84
minimally invasive procedures 13
minor procedures 13
open surgery 42

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 382
Black 23
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 17
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 240
From 75 to 84 136
85 and over 39
Less than 65 19

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2014

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2014 were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and depression.

Hypertension 43
High Cholesterol 41
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 15
Depression 15
Chronic Kidney Disease 9
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 12
Atrial Fibrilation 6
Heart Failure 6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 6
Diabetes 14
Dementia 3
Cancer 72

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2015 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 41
cancer surgery 41
diagnostic procedures 25
doctor visit 418
excision 66
lymph node procedures 51
open surgery 25

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 630
Black 42
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 30
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 408
From 75 to 84 230
85 and over 68
Less than 65 22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2015

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2015 were cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and depression.

Hypertension 42
High Cholesterol 48
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 13
Depression 16
Chronic Kidney Disease 9
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 15
Atrial Fibrilation 6
Heart Failure 7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 16
Dementia 3
Cancer 69

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2016 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 44
cancer surgery 44
diagnostic procedures 29
doctor visit 265
excision 73
lymph node procedures 59
open surgery 29

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 182
Black 14
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 120
From 75 to 84 64
85 and over 19
Less than 65 12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2016

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2016 were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and depression.

Hypertension 41
High Cholesterol 40
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 15
Depression 20
Chronic Kidney Disease 13
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 17
Atrial Fibrilation 7
Heart Failure 8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 5
Diabetes 16
Dementia 0
Cancer 71

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2017 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 34
cancer surgery 34
diagnostic procedures 27
doctor visit 262
excision 61
lymph node procedures 56
open surgery 27

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 171
Black 15
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 125
From 75 to 84 58
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2017

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2017 were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 42
High Cholesterol 26
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 13
Depression 16
Chronic Kidney Disease 10
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 18
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 9
Diabetes 16
Dementia 0
Cancer 75

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2018 were excision, breast procedures, cancer surgery and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 58
cancer surgery 58
diagnostic procedures 29
doctor visit 393
excision 87
lymph node procedures 56
open surgery 29

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Gender
Male 0
Female 316
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 267
Black 16
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 19
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 179
From 75 to 84 100
85 and over 26
Less than 65 11

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2018

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2018 were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 47
High Cholesterol 42
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 13
Depression 15
Chronic Kidney Disease 13
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 20
Atrial Fibrilation 5
Heart Failure 8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 6
Diabetes 15
Dementia 0
Cancer 73

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2019 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 48
cancer surgery 48
diagnostic procedures 31
doctor visit 445
excision 79
lymph node procedures 62
open surgery 31

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Gender
Male 0
Female 375
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 318
Black 16
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 19
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 199
From 75 to 84 130
85 and over 31
Less than 65 15

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2019

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2019 were cancer, hypertension, high cholesterol and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 44
High Cholesterol 43
Stroke 3
Ischemic Heart Disease 13
Depression 15
Chronic Kidney Disease 13
Asthma 6
Osteoperosis 21
Atrial Fibrilation 5
Heart Failure 8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 6
Diabetes 15
Dementia 0
Cancer 71

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2020 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 45
cancer surgery 45
diagnostic procedures 30
doctor visit 357
excision 75
lymph node procedures 60
open surgery 30

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 232
Black 14
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 19
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 160
From 75 to 84 94
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2020 were cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 38
High Cholesterol 43
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 15
Depression 14
Chronic Kidney Disease 13
Asthma 6
Osteoperosis 19
Atrial Fibrilation 5
Heart Failure 7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 4
Diabetes 17
Dementia 0
Cancer 74

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2021 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 58
cancer surgery 58
diagnostic procedures 34
doctor visit 364
excision 92
lymph node procedures 67
open surgery 34

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 260
Black 17
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 15
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 163
From 75 to 84 108
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2021 were cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 49
High Cholesterol 49
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 19
Depression 17
Chronic Kidney Disease 19
Asthma 6
Osteoperosis 25
Atrial Fibrilation 6
Heart Failure 8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 7
Diabetes 19
Dementia 4
Cancer 72

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2022 were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 38
cancer surgery 38
diagnostic procedures 20
doctor visit 352
excision 58
lymph node procedures 41
open surgery 20

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 226
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 14
Other 16
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 137
From 75 to 84 108
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2022 were cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 55
High Cholesterol 69
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 11
Depression 17
Chronic Kidney Disease 11
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 29
Atrial Fibrilation 12
Heart Failure 5
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 19
Dementia 4
Cancer 75

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL during 2023 were excision, breast procedures, cancer surgery and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

breast procedures 72
cancer surgery 60
diagnostic procedures 37
doctor visit 441
excision 85
lymph node procedures 46
minimally invasive procedures 12
minor procedures 12
open surgery 25

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 305
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 22
Other 22
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 177
From 75 to 84 146
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated during 2023 were cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 56
High Cholesterol 75
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 14
Depression 12
Chronic Kidney Disease 11
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 37
Atrial Fibrilation 9
Heart Failure 6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 20
Dementia 3
Cancer 75

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated as a surgical oncologist in Evanston, IL were excision, lymph node procedures, breast procedures and cancer surgery.

breast procedures 52
cancer surgery 48
diagnostic procedures 33
doctor visit 395
excision 79
lymph node procedures 60
minimally invasive procedures 12
minor procedures 12
open surgery 30

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD.

Gender
Male 0
Female 62
Ethnicity
Black / African American 15
Asian / Pacific Islander 3
Non-Hispanic White 302
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 0
Other 14
Age
75 to 84 118
85 and over 19
Less than 65 8
65 to 74 192

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD From 2013 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD treated were cancer, high cholesterol, hypertension and osteoperosis.

Hypertension 45
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 14
Depression 15
Chronic Kidney Disease 11
Asthma 6
Osteoporosis 20
Heart Failure 6
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 6
Diabetes 16
Atrial Fibrillation 6
Dementia 1
Cancer 72

Education & Training

Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1994. She completed residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery and has a state license in Illinois.

Medical School: Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (1994)

Residency: McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University (2001)

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery (2002)

Licensed In: Illinois

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Endeavor Health
ENDEAVOR HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 36 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Evanston, IL. 

4.89
Overall Rating
Leave a Review

General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Elucent Medical $195
$195
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. $145 SEAMGUARD Bioabsorbable Staple
$145
Lilly USA, LLC $111 CYRAMZA
$111
Merit Medical Systems Inc $100 SAVI SCOUT
$100
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. $30 Da Vinci Surgical System
$30
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $471
Education $111

Research Payments

Dr. Katharine Anne Yao, MD has received 1 research payments totaling $23,790.

Biography

Dr. Katharine Yao's specialty is surgical oncology (cancer surgery). Her areas of expertise include breast biopsy, cyst aspiration, and benign breast disease. Dr. Yao is professionally affiliated with Endeavor Health. Before performing her residency at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Dr. Yao attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Patients gave her an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5).

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