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Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, MD is a pediatric otolaryngologist in Wilmington, DE specializing in pediatric otolaryngology (ear nose and throat) and general pediatrics. He graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, MD is affiliated with Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Nemours Children's Health, Jefferson Abington Hospital and Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware.
Thyroid Surgery
Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.
Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.
The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.
Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.
An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.
Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.
Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, MD graduated from University of Maryland School of Medicine. He completed residency at Jefferson University Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and has a state license in Delaware.
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: Jefferson University Hospitals
Board Certification: American Board of Otolaryngology/Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Licensed In: Delaware
Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), AmeriHealth, MultiPlan PPO, MultiPlan, CIGNA Commercial, Three Rivers Provider Network, Keystone Health Plan East, Geisinger Health Plan, US Family Health Plan, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Humana, Fidelis Care, TRICARE, First Health, WellPoint, Aetna HMO, Global Medical Mangment NJ, Carefirst MD Community Health Plan Mcaid, Aetna PPO/POS/EPO, Lifetrac Transplant, Six Degrees Health Transplant, INTEGRA Administrative Group (ClaimsBridge), Star Healthcare Network, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware *PA Loc Contiguous to DE*, Global Medical Managment DE/PA, Aetna Commercial - Excludes Marketplace Plans, Olympus Managed Healthcare PPO NJ, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware *PA Loc NONContiguous to DE*, Insurance Administrators of America, Personal Choice, Aetna PPO/EPO/POS, Delaware Medicare, Qualcare HMO/POS/PPO, Preferred Healthcare PPO, Keystone First CHIP, Priority Partners John Hopkins, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware and Aetna Better Health PA Kids HMO.
According to our sources, Dr. Richard J. Schmidt, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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Dr. Richard Schmidt is a physician who specializes in pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose & throat) and general pediatrics. Clinical interests for Dr. Schmidt include hearing loss, minimally invasive surgery, and middle ear inflammation (otitis media). Dr. Schmidt is an in-network provider for several insurance carriers, including Blue California, Coventry, and Geisinger Health Plan. He attended medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He trained at Jefferson University Hospitals for residency. He has received distinctions including Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctor; Castle Connolly Top Doctor; and SJ Magazine's Top Docs for Kids. Dr. Schmidt is professionally affiliated with Nemours Children's Health and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Schmidt welcomes new patients at his office inDeptford, NJ as reported by Jefferson Health.
