i
Loading Page
loading, please wait

Select Year:

Home > DC Providers
provider's profile picture

Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD

Accepting New Patients
Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1975)
Professional interests include: thyroid cancer, insulin resistance, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and more.
3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007

Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD is an endocrinologist in Washington, DC specializing in adult endocrinology. He graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1975 and has 50 years of experience. Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Health and MEDSTAR GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER, INC.

View Doctor's Full Profile (202) 444-6200

Office Locations

Address:

3800 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007

Some issues Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD can help you with:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrine disorder that causes symptoms such as acne, facial hair, and weight gain. It is often diagnosed when patients experience problems getting pregnant, because PCOS can interfere with ovulation. There is no cure for PCOS, but there are effective treatments that can lessen the severity of the symptoms.

Despite the name, not everyone with polycystic ovarian syndrome develops cysts on their ovaries. It is also possible to have ovarian cysts without having PCOS. The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are actually related to insulin resistance, a condition where the insulin made by the body is not effectively recognized by the cells. This causes the pancreas to release higher levels of insulin in order to keep blood sugar levels stable, and the excess insulin interferes with hormone production in the pituitary and ovaries, causing the PCOS symptoms.

The symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Weight gain
  • Acne
  • Facial or body hair
  • Thinning head hair
  • Missing or irregular periods
  • Infertility

PCOS is a syndrome, which means that if patients have PCOS, they might not have each and every symptom. Even a few of them might be enough to have physicians check for polycystic ovarian syndrome. A doctor might perform an exam and order blood tests to measure hormone levels.

Treatment for PCOS may include:

  • Insulin sensitizers, which help the body use insulin more effectively, lowering hormone levels. The most commonly used insulin sensitizer is metformin.
  • Weight loss. Being overweight does not cause PCOS, and PCOS can make losing weight difficult. Still, weight loss can improve symptoms for many women.
  • Birth control pills to regulate menstruation and sometimes reduce symptoms such as acne.
  • Fertility medications, especially medications to stimulate ovulation such as clomiphene.
  • Anti-androgen medications, which work to treat symptoms such as acne and facial hair.
  • Low-carb diets, which work similarly to insulin sensitizers to lower hormone levels and help reduce weight.
  • Ovarian drilling or resectioning, surgical procedures sometimes performed if infertility is a persistent problem. These procedures open up the wall of the ovary to temporarily make ovulation more likely.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting women. Left untreated, it can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately there are many good treatment options available.

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 

“Dr. Joseph Verbalis, Chief, Division of Endocrinology andMetabolism at Georgetown University Hospital, and Dr. John LaFataof Progressive Clinical Research in Vista are principalinvestigators on the...”—"Low-sodium study seeks volunteers", The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 2008
“"In the past, the recommendation was to overhydrate," said Dr. Joe Verbalis, chief of endocrinology at Georgetown University Hospital.”—"Too much of a good thing", The Washington Times, October 2003

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD treated as an endocrinologist in Washington, DC were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit 32
hospital care 134
inpatient care 134

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD.

Gender
Female 28
Male 23
Ethnicity
Black / African American 10
Asian / Pacific Islander
Non-Hispanic White 20
Native American / Alaskan Native
Hispanic
Other
Age
85 and over
75 to 84 4
Less than 65 10
65 to 74 23

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

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

Hypertension 58
High Cholesterol 43
Stroke
Ischemic Heart Disease 30
Depression 18
Chronic Kidney Disease 40
Asthma 3
Osteoporosis 3
Heart Failure 15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 1
Diabetes 41
Atrial Fibrillation
Dementia 11
Cancer 5

Education & Training

Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD graduated from University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1975. He completed residency at University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine and has a state license in District of Columbia.

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (1975)

Residency: University of Pennsylvania Affiliated Hospitals (1977)

Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Licensed In: District of Columbia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
MedStar Health
MEDSTAR GEORGETOWN MEDICAL CENTER, INC

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. Joseph Verbalis, 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, Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN), Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS), 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. Joseph Verbalis, 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. Joseph Verbalis, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 177 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Joseph Verbalis, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC. 

4.8
Overall Rating
Leave a Review

General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. $98,594 SAMSCA
$98,167 		TOLVAPTAN
$346
$81
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. $67,398 NOCDURNA
$6,780
$60,618
Ferring Pharmaceuticals AS $23,713
$23,713
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. $10,700 SAMSCA
$10,700
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. $3,181 SAMSCA
$318 		JYNARQUE
$205 		TOLVAPTAN
$126
$2,532
Other $2,842 Sylvant
$2,275 		Korlym
$231 		RYBELSUS
$113 		Xultophy 100/3.6
$103 		TRADJENTA
$45 		Other
$75
Types of Payments
Consulting Fee $156,142
Travel and Lodging $25,551
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program $18,398
Food and Beverage $4,024
Honoraria $2,275
Other $37

Biography

Dr. Joseph Verbalis practices adult endocrinology. His areas of expertise include the following: type 2 diabetes, graves disease, and metabolic syndrome. On average, patients gave Dr. Verbalis a rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). He usually honors Blue California, Coventry, and Coventry Health Care Plans, in addition to other insurance carriers. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and then he performed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and a hospital affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania. He is professionally affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. According to Doctor.com, new patients are welcome to contact Dr. Verbalis's office in Washington, DC.

Other Providers in Washington, DC