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Dr. James Falko, MD

(36 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

Ohio State University College of Medicine (1971)

Professional interests include: type 2 diabetes, endocrine cancer, osteoporosis, and more.

12605 E. 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045

(720) 848-0000

Dr. James Falko, MD is an endocrinologist in Aurora, CO specializing in adult endocrinology. He graduated from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1971 and has 53 years of experience. Dr. James Falko, MD is affiliated with UCHealth, University of Colorado Medicine, UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS INCORPORATED and UCHealth Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus.

Office Locations

Address:

12605 E. 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045

Address:

1635 Aurora Court 6th Floor
Aurora, CO 80045

Some issues Dr. James Falko, 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.

doctor visit	266

**Gender**
Male	69
Female	84

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	116
Black	13
Hispanic	13
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	87
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	37

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	53
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	219

**Gender**
Male	44
Female	78

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	102
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	71
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	23

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	52
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	233

**Gender**
Male	110
Female	168

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	236
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	156
From 75 to 84	64
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	56
Dementia	0
Cancer	8

doctor visit	263

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	94

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	154
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	111
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	54
Dementia	0
Cancer	7

doctor visit	265

**Gender**
Male	74
Female	104

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	151
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	111
From 75 to 84	43
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	54
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

doctor visit	269

**Gender**
Male	79
Female	94

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	149
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	100
From 75 to 84	40
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	54
Dementia	0
Cancer	13

doctor visit	309

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	108

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	161
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	107
From 75 to 84	58
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	18
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	57
Dementia	9
Cancer	9

**Gender**
Male	71
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	131
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	86
From 75 to 84	48
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	43
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	49
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	59
Dementia	0
Cancer	8

doctor visit	155

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Falko, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	249

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Falko, MD.

**Gender**
Male	61
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	1
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	120
Hispanic	3
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	28
85 and over	0
Less than 65	6
65 to 74	82

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

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

Hypertension	48
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	12
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	43
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Cancer	5
Dementia	1

Education & Training

Dr. James Falko, MD graduated from Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1971. He completed residency at Ohio State University Medical Center. He has a state license in Colorado.

Medical School: Ohio State University College of Medicine (1971)

Residency: Ohio State University Medical Center (1975)

Licensed In: Colorado

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. James Falko, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

UCHealth

University of Colorado Medicine

UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS INCORPORATED

UCHealth Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. James Falko, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 36 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. James Falko, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Aurora, CO.

4.7

Overall Rating

(36 Ratings)

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.	$125,300 JUXTAPID $125,263	MYALEPT $37
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation	$70,902 STEGLATRO $21,099	ZETIA $17,327	JANUVIA $16,161	LIPTRUZET $5,840	VYTORIN $4,375	Other $6,099
Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc.	$64,021 LIVALO $23,782	LIPOFEN $153	Seglentis $131	$39,955
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP	$57,744 CRESTOR $1,074	$56,670
Amgen Inc.	$24,141 Repatha $24,141
Other	$41,520 Kanuma $13,310	PRALUENT ALIROCUMAB INJECTION $8,102	EVKEEZA $6,449	SOLIRIS $4,342	Vascepa $208	Other $9,110

**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	$199,575
Travel and Lodging	$65,865
Honoraria	$56,000
Consulting Fee	$33,889
Food and Beverage	$13,780
Other	$14,519

Biography

Dr. James Falko is a specialist in adult endocrinology. His areas of expertise include the following: osteoporosis, thyroid cancer, and type 2 diabetes. He graduated from Ohio State University College of Medicine and then he performed his residency at Ohio State University Medical Center. Dr. Falko's professional affiliations include UCHealth and the University of Colorado Medicine.