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Home > VA Providers > Pediatric Neurosurgeons

Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD

Accepting New Patients

(14 Ratings)

Specializes in: Pediatric Neurosurgery and Trauma Surgery

SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Professional interests include: craniotomy, cranioplasty, hydrocephalus, and more.

4348 Electric Road
Roanoke, VA 24018

(540) 224-5170

Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD is a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA specializing in pediatric neurosurgery and trauma surgery. She graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD is affiliated with Carilion Clinic.

Office Locations

4348 Electric Road
Roanoke, VA 24018

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416 S Main Street
Hillsville, VA 24343

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2331 FRANKLIN ROAD SW
ROANOKE, VA 24014

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1906 BELLEVIEW AVENUE
ROANOKE, VA 24014

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Some issues Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD can help you with:

Craniotomy

Craniotomy and craniectomy are surgical procedures used to access the brain and treat tumors, intracranial pressure, or other conditions. These surgeries are performed by creating holes in the skull, or cranium, to expose the brain. The opening in the skull can be immediately replaced (craniotomy), or it can be replaced during a later procedure (craniectomy). The following procedures use craniotomy or craniectomy:

Brain biopsy, which is done by guiding a needle through the opening in the skull to the targeted area of the brain. This procedure may be performed through an open or minimally invasive approach. The minimally invasive approach, called stereotactic brain biopsy, uses a computer to guide the needle.
Brain tumor resection, which may be performed following a biopsy with image guidance. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, resection will require 2-5 hours.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair, particularly for leaks that continue for a long period of time after a surgery. CSF leaks that are left untreated can lead to complications such as meningitis, an inflammation of the outer layers (meninges) of the brain.
Decompression, often following a stroke or injury. Decompressive craniotomy or craniectomy temporarily removes a flap from the skull to give the brain more room for swelling, which provides pressure relief.
Hematoma evacuation, which can also relieve pressure on the brain. A hematoma is a swelling of clotted blood. It can occur between the skull and the outer covering of the brain, or dura (epidural), between the dura and the brain (subdural), and within the brain (intracerebral). Craniotomy or craniectomy may be used to access and remove the hematoma.

To perform a craniotomy, the surgeon will need to make an incision on the scalp to expose the skull. Some of the hair may be shaved, and the scalp will be cleaned with antiseptic solution. Following the incision, the surgeon will use a drill to remove a piece of the skull, called a bone or skull flap. If the surgeon needs to reach a tumor or perform an aspiration, the dura, which covers the brain, will be incised (cut) to access the lesion. The bone flap will be reattached once the surgeon has completed the procedure. If the surgeon is performing a craniectomy, the same steps will be followed, but a mesh piece will be placed where the bone flap was, and the scalp will be surgically closed. Patients will need to wear a special helmet for a few months after the procedure. The bone flap will be preserved and replaced during a later operation, or it may never be replaced.

Patient recovery period can range from two days to two weeks, depending on the specific procedure and condition. Patient will require monitoring and may be given medication for pain or brain swelling. Patients will have to restrict their physical activity for some time after the procedure, and they may need to work with a physical therapist.

Hydrocephalus

Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.

Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.

In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.

There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.

Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.

Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:

Curvature disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis, a disorder that causes vertebrae to slip over each other
Significant spinal fractures that cause instability
Weakened spine due to infection or tumor
Some cases of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column
Chronic lower back pain (although the use of fusion to treat this is controversial)

Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2023

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

Top 5%

By Volume:

emergency room care

inpatient hospital care

By Affordability:

inpatient hospital care

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Virginia, Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD performed more emergency room (ER) care, and inpatient hospital care (for patient admitted to hospital) procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and she also had a list price for inpatient hospital care (for patient admitted to hospital) 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.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2012 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	89
emergency care	11
hospital care	149
inpatient care	149

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2013 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	98
hospital care	129
inpatient care	129

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	64
Female	120

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	166
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	50
From 75 to 84	52
85 and over	33
Less than 65	49

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	23
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	44
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	25
Atrial Fibrilation	15
Heart Failure	26
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	23
Diabetes	39
Dementia	24
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2014 were hospital care, inpatient care, emergency care and pain management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	12
doctor visit	121
emergency care	37
hospital care	160
image guided procedures	12
injections	12
inpatient care	160
minimally invasive procedures	12
pain management	12
spinal procedures	12

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	111
Female	138

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	220
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	83
From 75 to 84	74
85 and over	40
Less than 65	52

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	27
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	48
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	27
Diabetes	42
Dementia	24
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2015 were hospital care, inpatient care, emergency care and pain management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	100
emergency care	101
hospital care	218
image guided procedures	13
injections	13
inpatient care	218
minimally invasive procedures	13
pain management	13
spinal procedures	13

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	274
Female	306

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	520
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	170
From 75 to 84	200
85 and over	102
Less than 65	108

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	36
Ischemic Heart Disease	47
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	26
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	37
Dementia	26
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2016 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	120
emergency care	43
hospital care	198
inpatient care	198

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	115
Female	131

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	227
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	84
From 75 to 84	61
85 and over	44
Less than 65	57

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	46
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	26
Osteoperosis	21
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	42
Dementia	27
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2017 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	89
emergency care	79
hospital care	212
inpatient care	212

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	122
Female	137

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	229
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	83
From 75 to 84	82
85 and over	44
Less than 65	50

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	22
Ischemic Heart Disease	47
Depression	46
Chronic Kidney Disease	47
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	20
Heart Failure	34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	28
Diabetes	40
Dementia	33
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2018 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	159
emergency care	95
hospital care	214
inpatient care	214

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	129
Female	177

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	273
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	92
From 75 to 84	96
85 and over	67
Less than 65	51

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	35
Dementia	34
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2019 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	90
emergency care	39
hospital care	42
inpatient care	42

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	73
Female	107

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	156
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	67
From 75 to 84	55
85 and over	30
Less than 65	28

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	44
Chronic Kidney Disease	49
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	23
Diabetes	42
Dementia	29
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2020 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	71
emergency care	35
hospital care	75
inpatient care	75

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	82
Female	84

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	149
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	51
85 and over	31
Less than 65	26

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	28
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	55
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	33
Diabetes	39
Dementia	33
Cancer	19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2021 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	55
emergency care	62
hospital care	112
inpatient care	112

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	72
Female	107

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	166
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	52
From 75 to 84	61
85 and over	43
Less than 65	23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	50
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	54
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	30
Diabetes	45
Dementia	32
Cancer	20

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA during 2022 were hospital care, inpatient care and emergency care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	55
emergency care	108
hospital care	199
inpatient care	199

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	103
Female	135

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	216
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	79
From 75 to 84	90
85 and over	39
Less than 65	30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	48
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	21
Atrial Fibrilation	27
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	25
Diabetes	35
Dementia	26
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Roanoke, VA were hospital care, inpatient care, emergency care and minimally invasive procedures.

closed (non-surgical) treatment of fracture	12
doctor visit	95
emergency care	61
hospital care	155
image guided procedures	12
injections	12
inpatient care	155
minimally invasive procedures	12
pain management	12
spinal procedures	12

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD.

**Gender**
Male	104
Female	131

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	211
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	74
85 and over	43
Less than 65	43
65 to 74	74

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	10
Osteoporosis	16
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	24
Diabetes	36
Atrial Fibrillation	17
Dementia	26
Cancer	13

Education & Training

Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD graduated from SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. She completed residency at SUNY, University at Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Virginia.

Medical School: SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

Residency: SUNY, University at Buffalo Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: Virginia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Carilion Clinic

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 14 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Lisa S. Apfel, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Roanoke, VA.

4.93

Overall Rating

(14 Ratings)

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
DePuy Synthes Sales Inc.	$371 TRUMATCH $76	VIPER $76	STRATAFIX $71	Spine $68	Thoracolumbar $58	Other $21
Stryker Corporation	$279 SPINEJACK $104	NSE Elite Attachments $92	INTERVENTIONAL SPINE $83
GT Medical Technologies, Inc	$95 GammaTile $95
Baxter Healthcare	$64 FLOSEAL $64
Brainlab, Inc.	$62 Surgical planning and navigation radiation treatment planning and positioning $62
Other	$55 Instruments-General Surgery $26	Cranial Surgery $16	$13

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$926

Biography

Dr. Lisa Apfel is a physician who specializes in trauma surgery and pediatric neurosurgery. She studied medicine at SUNY, University at Buffalo School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Apfel trained at a hospital affiliated with SUNY, University at Buffalo for her residency. Her areas of expertise include craniotomy, neurosurgery, and cranioplasty. Patients gave her an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). She is affiliated with Carilion Medical Center. Doctor.com reports that Dr. Apfel is accepting new patients at her office in Roanoke, VA.