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Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD

Accepting New Patients

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Specializes in: Neurosurgery
Professional interests include: arteriovenous malformation (AVM), peripheral nerve surgery, brain surgery, and more.
1717 13TH STREET SUITE 401
EVERETT, WA 98201

Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD is a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA specializing in neurosurgery. Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD is affiliated with Providence, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett - Colby Campus, Swedish Cherry Hill Campus, Swedish First Hill Campus and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.

View Doctor's Full Profile (425) 297-6400

Office Locations

1717 13TH STREET SUITE 401
EVERETT, WA 98201
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD 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.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2012 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 76
hospital care 53
inpatient care 53

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2013 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 36
hospital care 17
inpatient care 17

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 25
Female 33
Age
From 65 to 74 23
From 75 to 84 16
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2013

Hypertension 71
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 26
Ischemic Heart Disease 29
Depression 45
Chronic Kidney Disease 28
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 19
Diabetes 36
Dementia 0
Cancer 19

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2014 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 17
hospital care 15
inpatient care 15

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 17
Female 36
Age
From 65 to 74 18
From 75 to 84 19
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2014

Hypertension 68
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 21
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 36
Chronic Kidney Disease 34
Asthma 26
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 25
Diabetes 30
Dementia 0
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2015 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 53
inpatient care 53

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 52
Female 60
Age
From 65 to 74 30
From 75 to 84 50
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2015

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 63
Stroke 48
Ischemic Heart Disease 46
Depression 46
Chronic Kidney Disease 48
Asthma 21
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 30
Dementia 34
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2016 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 27
inpatient care 27

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 25
Female 15
Age
From 65 to 74 18
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2016

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 73
Stroke 30
Ischemic Heart Disease 48
Depression 50
Chronic Kidney Disease 58
Asthma 30
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 28
Diabetes 45
Dementia 30
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2017 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 28
inpatient care 28

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 25
Female 15
Age
From 65 to 74 12
From 75 to 84 14
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2017

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 60
Stroke 50
Ischemic Heart Disease 40
Depression 38
Chronic Kidney Disease 48
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 30
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 30
Dementia 30
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2018 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 33
inpatient care 33

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 38
Female 17
Age
From 65 to 74 21
From 75 to 84 17
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2018

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 67
Stroke 42
Ischemic Heart Disease 49
Depression 36
Chronic Kidney Disease 58
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 31
Heart Failure 40
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 22
Diabetes 51
Dementia 29
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2019 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 37
inpatient care 37

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 44
Female 23
Age
From 65 to 74 19
From 75 to 84 27
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2019

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 61
Stroke 46
Ischemic Heart Disease 42
Depression 34
Chronic Kidney Disease 58
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 24
Heart Failure 34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 25
Diabetes 40
Dementia 28
Cancer 18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2020 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 21
inpatient care 21

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 26
Female 26
Age
From 65 to 74 17
From 75 to 84 17
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2020

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 63
Stroke 29
Ischemic Heart Disease 50
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 56
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 33
Heart Failure 33
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 23
Diabetes 31
Dementia 38
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2021 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 49
inpatient care 49

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 40
Female 37
Age
From 65 to 74 23
From 75 to 84 33
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2021

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 71
Stroke 26
Ischemic Heart Disease 39
Depression 47
Chronic Kidney Disease 55
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 29
Heart Failure 34
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 22
Diabetes 32
Dementia 38
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA during 2022 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

hospital care 34
inpatient care 34

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 38
Female 29
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 51
Black 0
Hispanic 0
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 31
From 75 to 84 21
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD in 2022

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 46
Ischemic Heart Disease 37
Depression 28
Chronic Kidney Disease 28
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 19
Atrial Fibrilation 24
Heart Failure 28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 21
Diabetes 37
Dementia 25
Cancer 27

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated as a neurosurgeon in EVERETT, WA were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit 43
hospital care 33
inpatient care 33

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD.

Gender
Male 30
Female 26
Ethnicity
Black / African American 0
Asian / Pacific Islander 0
Non-Hispanic White 4
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Hispanic 0
Other 0
Age
75 to 84 19
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0
65 to 74 19

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 67
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 33
Ischemic Heart Disease 37
Depression 35
Chronic Kidney Disease 42
Asthma 7
Osteoporosis 3
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 16
Diabetes 32
Atrial Fibrillation 15
Dementia 22
Cancer 5

Education & Training

She completed residency at Aachen University Hospital. She has a state license in Massachusetts.

Residency: Aachen University Hospital (2004)

Licensed In: Massachusetts

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett - Colby Campus
Swedish Cherry Hill Campus
Swedish First Hill Campus
Providence Regional Medical Center Everett

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. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Humana PPO, Aetna PPO, CIGNA PPO, Medicare Advantage, Interplan PPO, TriWest, TRICARE, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, United Healthcare Medicaid, OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health), Providence, Humana HMO, First Health, WellPoint, Kaiser Permanente, Aetna Medicare PPO, Managed Health Network (MHN), Carelon PPO, State of Washington Department of Corrections, Premera, Evernorth PPO, Citrine Health, Thurston County Corrections, First Choice PPO and Regence BlueShield of Washington PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Ruth Thiex, MD PHD accepts the following insurance providers:

Humana PPO
Aetna PPO
CIGNA PPO
Medicare Advantage
Interplan PPO
TriWest
TRICARE
Medicaid
Humana
Cigna
United Healthcare Medicaid
OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions (United Behavioral Health)
Providence
Humana HMO
First Health
WellPoint
Kaiser Permanente
Aetna Medicare PPO
Managed Health Network (MHN)
Carelon PPO
State of Washington Department of Corrections
Premera
Evernorth PPO
Citrine Health
Thurston County Corrections
First Choice PPO
Regence BlueShield of Washington PPO

Ratings & Reviews

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General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Medtronic USA, Inc. $124 Solitaire
$124
Medtronic MiniMed, Inc. $98
$98
DePuy Synthes Sales Inc. $55 ENTERPRISE
$55
UCB, Inc. $40 Briviact
$40
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $317

Biography

Dr. Ruth Thiex is a physician who specializes in neurosurgery. In addition to English, she speaks German. Dr. Thiex's clinical interests include facial pain, kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation), and neuroendoscopy. Her professional affiliations include Swedish Cherry Hill Campus, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett - Colby Campus, and Swedish First Hill Campus. She seems to honor several insurance carriers, including HealthSmart, Coventry, and CIGNA Plans. Doctor.com reports that Dr. Thiex is accepting new patients at her office in EVERETT, WA.

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