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Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD

Accepting New Patients

(67 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

University of Washington School of Medicine (2002)

Professional interests include: type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes), thyroid problems

3850 Park Nicollet Boulevard
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416

(952) 993-3400

Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD is an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 2002 and has 23 years of experience. Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD is affiliated with Park Nicollet Clinic.

Office Locations

3800 Park Nicollet Boulevard Park Nicollet Specialty Center St. Louis Park 3800 Building
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416

(952) 993-3708

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3850 Park Nicollet Boulevard
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416

(952) 993-3400

open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD can help you with:

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.

In The News

“That diabetes ranks among the major causes of heart disease often surprises newly diagnosed patients, said Dr. Molly Carlson, an endocrinologist who has served in the American Diabetes...”—"Heart disease among younger women troubling, preventable", The Spokesman-Review, October 2013

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2023

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

Top 25%

By Affordability:

blood tests

In 2013, Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD had a list price for blood tests that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of providers in related specialties within Minnesota. 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. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2013 were lab tests, blood draw, preventive care and thyroid function tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	237
diabetes management	180
doctor visit	435
lab tests	597
musculoskeletal imaging	75
preventive care	223
thyroid function tests	215
X-rays	75

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	94
Female	197

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	246
Black	11
Hispanic	0
Asian	18
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	171
From 75 to 84	70
85 and over	20
Less than 65	30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2013

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2013 were hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	58
Dementia	0
Cancer	7

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2014 were lab tests, preventive care, blood draw and thyroid function tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	286
diabetes management	222
doctor visit	451
lab tests	777
musculoskeletal imaging	98
preventive care	298
thyroid function tests	268
X-rays	98

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	84
Female	221

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	266
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	183
From 75 to 84	77
85 and over	22
Less than 65	23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2014

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2014 were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	51
Dementia	5
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2015 were lab tests, preventive care, blood draw and thyroid function tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	271
diabetes management	220
doctor visit	448
lab tests	756
musculoskeletal imaging	87
preventive care	304
thyroid function tests	256
X-rays	87

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	144
Female	396

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	452
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	32
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	350
From 75 to 84	116
85 and over	38
Less than 65	36

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2015

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2015 were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	54
Dementia	5
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2016 were lab tests, preventive care, thyroid function tests and blood draw.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	137
diabetes management	114
doctor visit	235
lab tests	396
musculoskeletal imaging	40
preventive care	148
thyroid function tests	137
X-rays	40

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	63
Female	132

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	165
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	14
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	124
From 75 to 84	46
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2016

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2016 were diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	42
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	64
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	166

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	46
Female	54

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	72
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	51
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	29

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2017

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2017 were diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol.

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	69
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	139

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	42
Female	51

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	66
Black	0
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	44
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	24

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2018

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2018 were diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	74
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	75
Dementia	0
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2019 were lab tests, preventive care, diabetes management and blood draw.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	32
diabetes management	38
doctor visit	94
lab tests	38
preventive care	38

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	72

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	78
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	36
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	12
Less than 65	30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2019

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2019 were hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	52
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	57
Dementia	14
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2020 were blood draw, lab tests, preventive care and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	34
diabetes management	26
doctor visit	81
lab tests	26
preventive care	26

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	21
Female	77

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	84
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	48
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	29

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2020

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2020 were diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	60
Dementia	0
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2021 were blood draw, lab tests, preventive care and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	35
diabetes management	32
doctor visit	87
lab tests	32
preventive care	32

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	65

**Age**
From 65 to 74	40
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	30

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2021 were diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	44
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	64
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2022 were lab tests, preventive care, diabetes management and blood draw.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	31
diabetes management	43
doctor visit	88
lab tests	43
preventive care	43

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	52

**Age**
From 65 to 74	33
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2022 were high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and depression.

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	15
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	26
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	60
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN during 2023 were blood draw, lab tests, preventive care and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

blood draw	43
diabetes management	32
doctor visit	116
lab tests	32
preventive care	32

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	24
Female	68

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	80
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	46
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated during 2023 were high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and depression.

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	25
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	54
Dementia	0
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Saint Louis Park, MN were lab tests, thyroid function tests, preventive care and blood draw.

blood draw	122
diabetes management	100
doctor visit	212
lab tests	299
musculoskeletal imaging	75
preventive care	127
thyroid function tests	219
X-rays	75

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD.

**Gender**
Male	52
Female	125

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	1
Asian / Pacific Islander	4
Non-Hispanic White	137
Hispanic	1
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	2

**Age**
75 to 84	29
85 and over	8
Less than 65	25
65 to 74	102

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD From 2013 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	2
Osteoporosis	13
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	2
Diabetes	61
Atrial Fibrillation	3
Dementia	2
Cancer	8

Education & Training

Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 2002. She completed residency at University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine-Endocrin, Diabetes&Metabolism and has a state license in Minnesota.

Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine (2002)

Residency: University of Michigan Affiliated Hospitals (2005)

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine-Endocrin, Diabetes&Metabolism

Licensed In: Minnesota

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Park Nicollet Clinic

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 67 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Molly Jo Carlson, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Louis Park, MN.

4.9

Overall Rating

(67 Ratings)

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.	$1,350 t-slim insulin pump $1,350
Covidien LP	$160 Ablation $160
SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S. LLC	$65 SOLIQUA $65
Abbott Laboratories	$47 Diabetes Care $47
Pfizer Inc.	$12 SOMAVERT $12
Other	$11 OneTouch Verio Reflect $11

**Types of Payments**
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$1,415
Food and Beverage	$171
Education	$58

Biography

Dr. Molly Carlson is an adult endocrinology specialist. These areas are among her clinical interests: thyroid problems, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes (juvenile diabetes). She is professionally affiliated with Park Nicollet Clinic. Before completing her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Michigan, Dr. Carlson attended medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by her patients. She has an open panel in Saint Louis Park, MN according to HealthPartners.