i
Loading Page
loading, please wait

Select Year:

Home > MD Providers
placeholder image of provider

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD

Accepting New Patients
Specializes in: General Surgery
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (1987)
Professional interests include: Paget's disease of the breast, mastectomy (breast removal surgery), metastatic breast cancer, and more.
12 Medstar Boulevard Suite 110
Bel Air, MD 21015

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD is a general surgeon in Bel Air, MD specializing in general surgery. She graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in 1987 and has 38 years of experience. Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD is affiliated with MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Health and MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC.

View Doctor's Full Profile (410) 515-6090

Office Locations

Address:

12 Medstar Boulevard Suite 110
Bel Air, MD 21015

Address:

9101 Franklin Square Drive Suite 110
Baltimore, MD 21237

Some issues Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

  • Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
  • Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
  • Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
  • Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
  • Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

Mastectomy (Breast Removal Surgery)

Mastectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the breasts, most frequently associated with breast cancer treatment (for both male and female breast cancer patients). Breast cancer patients who receive a mastectomy typically have undergone other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and less invasive breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). If these treatments are unsuccessful, oncologists may eventually prescribe a mastectomy. Other conditions that may prompt a mastectomy include:

  • Two or more cancerous regions in the same breast
  • Inability to receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • High likelihood of recurring breast cancer
  • Large tumor that is bigger than two inches across
  • Pregnancy that prohibits radiation therapy
  • Preexisting conditions like lupus or scleroderma

Notably, some patients may elect to undergo mastectomy without a breast cancer diagnosis. Preventative (prophylactic) mastectomy is performed on those with a high risk of breast cancer, such as having a family history of the disease or carrying the breast cancer BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Preventative mastectomy substantially reduces one's chances of developing breast cancer in the future, but it cannot wholly prevent it.

Surgical oncologists perform several types of mastectomies, depending upon the severity of the breast cancer (including factors such as its location and spread), as well as the patients' own aesthetic and personal choices. The six main types of mastectomy include:

  • Total mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes an entire breast, including parts like the pectoral chest muscle, skin, and nipple.
  • Radical mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes the entire breast, underarm lymph nodes, pectoral chest muscles, and outer skin and nipple. One of the most invasive forms of mastectomy, radical mastectomy is infrequently performed.
  • Modified radical mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist completes a total mastectomy and also removes the underarm lymph nodes. This procedure is slightly less invasive than radical mastectomy.
  • Skin-sparing mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes cancerous breast tissue and nipple, but leaves most of breast skin. This method is used in conjunction with breast reconstruction, as implants can be added below the skin. Skin-sparing mastectomy often requires a treatment team with a surgical oncologist and a plastic surgeon experienced in breast procedures.
  • Nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the surgical oncologist removes cancerous breast tissue and leaves the nipple and most of the breast skin. This method is only available to patients in the early stages of breast cancer. Similar to skin-sparing mastectomy, this procedure is frequently performed with breast reconstruction.

Any of these procedures can be done on both breasts, in which case the procedure would be known as a double mastectomy. For example, a surgical oncologist might perform a total or nipple-sparing mastectomy on both breasts. Double mastectomies are often used as a preventive surgery for those who are at risk of developing breast cancer later on in life.

Patients have one or two days of hospital stay before returning home from their mastectomy procedures. Full recovery can take several months, but some patients find they are able to resume normal activity within one month of their mastectomy. Patients are advised to limit arm and chest movements whenever possible.

After surgery, patients must also adjust to changes in their appearance. While some patients choose to receive breast reconstruction, other patients may decide to wear prosthetic breasts or will simply embrace their new chest.

Mastectomies permit patients to conquer cancer and lead healthy, thriving lives as breast cancer survivors.

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD treated as a general surgeon in Bel Air, MD were breast procedures, excision, ultrasound (sonogram) and women's imaging.

breast procedures 66
cancer surgery 28
diagnostic procedures 18
doctor visit 354
excision 44
lymph node procedures 34
open surgery 18
ultrasound (sonogram) 38
women's imaging 38

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD.

Ethnicity
Black / African American 19
Asian / Pacific Islander
Non-Hispanic White 185
Native American / Alaskan Native
Hispanic
Other
Age
85 and over 18
75 to 84 55
Less than 65 28
65 to 74 122

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD treated were hypertension, cancer, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Hypertension 55
High Cholesterol 48
Stroke 2
Ischemic Heart Disease 18
Depression 18
Chronic Kidney Disease 17
Asthma 8
Osteoporosis 7
Heart Failure 7
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 11
Diabetes 25
Atrial Fibrillation 5
Cancer 48
Dementia 3

Education & Training

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in 1987. She completed residency at University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Surgery and has a state license in Maryland.

Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (1987)

Residency: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (1992)

Board Certification: American Board of Surgery, Surgery

Licensed In: Maryland

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
MedStar Health
MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC

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. Atsuko Okabe, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Choice Fund PPO, MAMSI, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Golden Rule, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Community Care Network (CCN), Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Beech Street PPO, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Select, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA Indemnity, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Coventry National Network PPO, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, Virginia Premier Health Plan, WellPoint, Aetna, CIGNA Network Open Access, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), HealthyBlue PPO, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Traditional Medicare Fee for Service, United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Carefirst EPO, Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus, United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, United Select HMO - EPO/NPP, United MD IPA Preferred (POS), United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO), Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP), Innovation Health: Network Only Plus, United MD IPA (HMO), United Choice Plus, CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans), Innovation Health: PPO, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, United Choice, United Optimum Choice, Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Innovation Health: POS, Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, United Select Plus (POS), CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced, United Erickson Advantage Plans, Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice, Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS), Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN), D-SNP), I-SNP, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, United Core Essential (HMO), Innovation Health: POS Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP, Innovation Health: Open POS II, Innovation Health: Indemnity, United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, United Navigate, Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO, Police and Fire Clinic, Employee Health Plan (EHP) and CareFirst MedStar Select PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA Choice Fund PPO
MAMSI
First Health PPO
Blue Choice
Golden Rule
Great-West Healthcare
TRICARE
Community Care Network (CCN)
Coventry
TRICARE Reserve Select
Show More

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 891 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Bel Air, MD. 

4.9
Overall Rating
Leave a Review
Reviews From Around The Web
Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-09-11
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Dr. Okabe is a godsend. I stressed over finding a specialist and I am thankful for a good friend, who is a nurse in another health care system, that recommended her to me. My own primary care physician from another healthcare system also recommended Dr. Okabe. She is everything I hoped to find in a doctor: patient with my questions, a kind soul, experienced and calm. I'm not afraid to place myself in her care.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-06-12
Patient verified via Press Ganey
Doctor Okabe, is one of the most kind and gentle doctor ever. She really makes you feel like family. To me that is great!!!!!!
Overall Rating: 5.0 2022-02-24
Patient verified via Press Ganey
She always go over every thing with me. She always listen to any concerns I have. An talk to me about them.
Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-10-19
Patient verified via Press Ganey
My primary care doctor recommended the Dr Okabe and she made me feel at ease.

General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Medtronic USA, Inc. $806 PlasmaBlade
$806
Genentech USA, Inc. $225 Perjeta
$125
$100
Lilly USA, LLC $107
$107
Medtronic Xomed, Inc. $46 Advanced Energy Cutting Device
$46
Types of Payments
Travel and Lodging $588
Food and Beverage $576
Education $20

Research Payments

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, MD has received 4 research payments totaling $45,012.

Biography

Dr. Atsuko Okabe, who practices in Bel Air, MD and Baltimore, MD, is a medical specialist in general surgery. Dr. Okabe is a graduate of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine. For her professional training, Dr. Okabe completed a residency program at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. Areas of expertise for Dr. Okabe include prosthetics, pain, and fine needle aspiration (FNA). Patients rated her highly, giving her an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). She can take several insurance carriers, including Blue California, Coventry, and Coventry Health Care Plans. Dr. Okabe speaks Japanese. She is professionally affiliated with MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. According to Doctor.com, new patients are welcome to contact her office in Bel Air, MD.

Other Providers in Bel Air, MD