Medicare Procedure and Patient Information
2021 Medicare Procedure Volume
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD for Medicare patients.
88 |
Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD is a neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh, PA specializing in neurosurgery and general practice. He graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), WHS Washington Hospital, KEYSTONE REHABILITATION SYSTEMS INC, ALLEGHENY CLINIC and AHN Neurosurgery.
320 E North Avenue Suite 208
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 201
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 308
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
1050 Bower Hill Road Suite 308
Mount Lebanon, PA 15243
400 Locust Avenue
Washington, PA 15301
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:
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.
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:
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.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD for Medicare patients.
doctor visit | 88 |
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Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD for Medicare patients.
doctor visit | 88 |
---|
Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of Virginia Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Virginia Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 209 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Matthew J. Shepard, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Pittsburgh, PA.
Dr. Matthew Shepard is a physician who specializes in general practice and neurosurgery. He has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by his patients. These areas are among his clinical interests: skull base surgery, pituitary tumor, and herniated disc. Dr. Shepard is professionally affiliated with Allegheny Health Network (AHN). According to Yext, he is not acceping new patients at this time. He attended Tufts University School of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Virginia.