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Home > MO Providers > Otolaryngologists / Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Doctors

Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS

Accepting New Patients

(10 Ratings)

Specializes in: Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (2013)

Professional interests include: parathyroid disease, tonsil cancer, tongue cancer, and more.

4500 Forest Park Avenue Floor 5
Saint Louis, MO 63108

(314) 362-7509

Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS is an otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). He graduated from University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in 2013 and has 12 years of experience. Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS is affiliated with WashU Medicine, BJC HealthCare, Christian Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) and WashU Medicine.

Office Locations

11125 Dunn Road Christian Hospital - Medical Office Building 2
Saint Louis, MO 63136

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11125 Dunn Road Suite 201
Saint Louis, MO 63136

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WashU Medicine

4500 Forest Park Avenue Floor 5
Saint Louis, MO 63108

(314) 362-7509

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Barnes-Jewish Hospital

4500 Forest Park Avenue Floor: 5th
Saint Louis, MO 63108

(314) 362-7509

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4921 Parkview Place Department Otolaryngology, Suite 11a
Saint Louis, MO 63110

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Some issues Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS 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

“"The worry was that he could die of asphyxiation" by aspirating his own blood, said otolaryngologist R. Alex Harbison, the head and neck surgeon who met him in the ER.”—"Medical Mysteries: How a sore throat led to life-threatening bleeding", Washington Post, February 2024

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated as an otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2021 were minimally invasive procedures and laryngeal (voice box) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS for Medicare patients.

laryngeal (voice box) procedures	15
minimally invasive procedures	15

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS.

**Gender**
Male	24
Female	17

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	22
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS in 2021

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated during 2021 were hypertension, ischemic heart disease, high cholesterol and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	73
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	54
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	46
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated as an otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2022 were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, ultrasound (sonogram) and neck imaging.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	27
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	27
minimally invasive procedures	27
neck imaging	12
ultrasound (sonogram)	12

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS.

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	44

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	44
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	39
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS in 2022

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated during 2022 were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and depression.

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	72
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	35
Dementia	0
Cancer	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated as an otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2023 were minimally invasive procedures and laryngeal (voice box) procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	12
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	17
minimally invasive procedures	17

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS.

**Gender**
Male	28
Female	36

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	40
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	32
From 75 to 84	18
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS in 2023

The most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated during 2023 were high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	36
Dementia	0
Cancer	23

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2021 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated as an otolaryngologist in Saint Louis, MO were minimally invasive procedures, laryngeal (voice box) procedures, ultrasound (sonogram) and neck imaging.

doctor visit	19
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	19
minimally invasive procedures	19
neck imaging	12
ultrasound (sonogram)	12

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2021 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS.

**Gender**
Male	27
Female	32

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	35
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0
65 to 74	30

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS From 2021 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	12
Osteoporosis	5
Heart Failure	5
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	39
Atrial Fibrillation	11
Cancer	13
Dementia	0

Education & Training

Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS graduated from University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine in 2013. He completed residency at University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the Board Certification: Otolaryngology and has a state license in Missouri.

Medical School: University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (2013)

Residency: University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: Board Certification: Otolaryngology

Licensed In: Missouri

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

WashU Medicine

BJC HealthCare

Christian Hospital

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)

WashU Medicine

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. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Flexcare, MultiPlan, MHBP, United Healthcare Select Plus, United Healthcare Select, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, Great-West Healthcare Open Access, United Healthcare EPO, United Healthcare Choice Plus, United Healthcare Choice, Blue Choice, Aetna QPOS, Great-West Healthcare POS, Great-West Healthcare PPO, Health Alliance HMO, Aetna Open Access HMO, Great-West Healthcare HMO, Rockport Healthcare Group, Hannibal Regional PHO, Aetna Medicare HMO, TRICARE, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Coventry, Anthem, Best Doctors, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Aetna Select, Aetna Choice POS, Aetna HMO, CIGNA Open Access POS, Aetna US Access, CIGNA Open Access Plus HMO, Aetna National Advantage Program, Coventry HMO, CIGNA Network, CIGNA PPO, MO HealthNet, CIGNA POS, CIGNA HMO, CorVel, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, Aetna Open Access Managed Choice, Aetna Open Access Elect Choice, Aetna Choice POS II, AARP, Medicare Advantage, TriWest, Blue Cross Blue Shield Missouri - Regular or Traditional, CoxHealth, Coventry PPO, Coventry National Network PPO, USA Managed Care Organization, Health Alliance POS, Health Alliance PPO, United Healthcare, United Healthcare Navigate, Medicare, Medicaid, Quality Health Management, Humana, Cigna, Molina Healthcare, First Health, HealthLink PPO, Beech Street, HealthLink POS, HealthLink Open Access, HealthLink HMO, Aetna Elect Choice, HFN, United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice), Community Partners Health Plans, CIGNA Open Access Plus POS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, CIGNA Network Open Access, CIGNA PPO Plus, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Care Management Resources (CMR), Mercy Health Springfield Communities, Aetna Affordable Health Choice PPO, Advantra Option 1 HMO/POS (Aetna Medicare), Union Pacific Railroad Employee Health System, Freedom Plus PPO-Missouri (Aetna Medicare), Aetna CVS Health (MO Marketplace Exchange), Freedom PPO-Missouri (Aetna Medicare), Aetna Open Choice (PPO), Aetna Medicare Open Access POS, Health Alliance Medicare POS, Kansas Advantra Freedom PPO (Aetna Medicare), VA HealthCare Choice Program, BJC Center of Excellence - Consociate Health, Verify Insurance Acceptance With Practice, Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA/HFS), Advantra Silver HMO (Aetna Medicare), Advantra PPO (Aetna Medicare), Essence Advantage HMO, Meridian (Illinois Department of Public Aid), Health Alliance (IL Marketplace Exchange), HealthScope Benefits, Inn (Orscheln Industries Health Plan), Gold Advantage (Aetna Medicare), Aetna Health Network, Essence Advantage Select HMO, Advantra Complete PPO Illinois (Aetna Medicare), Aetna Health Network Option, BJC HealthSolutions, Aetna Medicare Open Access HMO, Health Alliance Medicare HMO, Advantra Option 2 HMO (Aetna Medicare), Essence Advantage Plus HMO and Gold Dual Core HMO Missouri (Aetna Medicare).

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA Flexcare

MultiPlan

MHBP

United Healthcare Select Plus

United Healthcare Select

United Healthcare PPO

United Healthcare POS

Great-West Healthcare Open Access

United Healthcare EPO

United Healthcare Choice Plus

United Healthcare Choice

Blue Choice

Aetna QPOS

Great-West Healthcare POS

Great-West Healthcare PPO

Health Alliance HMO

Aetna Open Access HMO

Great-West Healthcare HMO

Rockport Healthcare Group

Hannibal Regional PHO

Aetna Medicare HMO

TRICARE

Decatur Memorial Hospital

Coventry

Anthem

Best Doctors

Aetna Managed Choice POS

Aetna Select

Aetna Choice POS

Aetna HMO

CIGNA Open Access POS

Aetna US Access

CIGNA Open Access Plus HMO

Aetna National Advantage Program

Coventry HMO

CIGNA Network

CIGNA PPO

MO HealthNet

CIGNA POS

CIGNA HMO

CorVel

CIGNA EPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

Aetna Open Access Managed Choice

Aetna Open Access Elect Choice

Aetna Choice POS II

AARP

Medicare Advantage

TriWest

Blue Cross Blue Shield Missouri - Regular or Traditional

CoxHealth

Coventry PPO

Coventry National Network PPO

USA Managed Care Organization

Health Alliance POS

Health Alliance PPO

United Healthcare

United Healthcare Navigate

Medicare

Medicaid

Quality Health Management

Humana

Cigna

Molina Healthcare

First Health

HealthLink PPO

Beech Street

HealthLink POS

HealthLink Open Access

HealthLink HMO

Aetna Elect Choice

HFN

United Healthcare Community Plan (AmeriChoice)

Community Partners Health Plans

CIGNA Open Access Plus POS

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

CIGNA Network Open Access

CIGNA PPO Plus

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)

Care Management Resources (CMR)

Mercy Health Springfield Communities

Aetna Affordable Health Choice PPO

Advantra Option 1 HMO/POS (Aetna Medicare)

Union Pacific Railroad Employee Health System

Freedom Plus PPO-Missouri (Aetna Medicare)

Aetna CVS Health (MO Marketplace Exchange)

Freedom PPO-Missouri (Aetna Medicare)

Aetna Open Choice (PPO)

Aetna Medicare Open Access POS

Health Alliance Medicare POS

Kansas Advantra Freedom PPO (Aetna Medicare)

VA HealthCare Choice Program

BJC Center of Excellence - Consociate Health

Verify Insurance Acceptance With Practice

Illinois Department of Public Aid (IDPA/HFS)

Advantra Silver HMO (Aetna Medicare)

Advantra PPO (Aetna Medicare)

Essence Advantage HMO

Meridian (Illinois Department of Public Aid)

Health Alliance (IL Marketplace Exchange)

HealthScope Benefits, Inn (Orscheln Industries Health Plan)

Gold Advantage (Aetna Medicare)

Aetna Health Network

Essence Advantage Select HMO

Advantra Complete PPO Illinois (Aetna Medicare)

Aetna Health Network Option

BJC HealthSolutions

Aetna Medicare Open Access HMO

Health Alliance Medicare HMO

Advantra Option 2 HMO (Aetna Medicare)

Essence Advantage Plus HMO

Gold Dual Core HMO Missouri (Aetna Medicare)

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 10 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Louis, MO.

Overall Rating

(10 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Richard Alexander Harbison, MD, MS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Baxter Healthcare	$378 TISSEEL $261	FLOSEAL $117
Medtronic, Inc.	$216 LigaSure $216
Allergan Inc.	$94 $94
Stryker Corporation	$79 Universal Mid Face $63	SPIROX - LATERA $16
Ethicon US, LLC	$31 Harmonic $31

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$799

Biography

Dr. R. Harbison is a Saint Louis, MO physician who specializes in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Areas of expertise for Dr. Harbison include salivary gland cancer, sinus cancer, and pharynx cancer. Dr. Harbison has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. He attended the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine and then went on to complete his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Washington. Dr. Harbison is affiliated with Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Christian Hospital, and WashU Medicine. According to BJC HealthCare, he is currently accepting new patients at his office in Saint Louis, MO.