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Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD

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Specializes in: Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology

National University of Colombia Faculty of Medicine

Professional interests include: stroke, spinal cord tumor, hydrocephalus, and more.

55 Fruit Street Grb 2-273a
Boston, MA 02114

(617) 726-8320

Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD is a diagnostic radiologist in Boston, MA specializing in diagnostic radiology and neuroradiology. He graduated from National University of Colombia Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD is affiliated with Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital and MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL PHYSICIANS ORGANIZATION INC.

Office Locations

Address:

55 Fruit Street Grb 2-273a
Boston, MA 02114

Some issues Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD can help you with:

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.

Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is ruptured or blocked. The brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, so when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, even for a brief moment, brain cells begin to die. When a sufficient number of brain cells die, the brain itself can no longer function, meaning that strokes are very dangerous. Strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, the impairment of important physical functions, and even death.

Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age and health. Strokes are known to happen at random. However, certain conditions and behaviors can increase one's risk of stroke over time.

Risk factors for stroke include:

Heart disease
Older age
Smoking
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High blood cholesterol and lipids

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly and is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Blockages are caused by blood clots and built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol), which leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden. The resultant restricted blood flow may lead to an ischemic stroke by blocking essential oxygen to the brain, causing the heart to exert more effort to pump blood.

Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage.

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.

Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment. Medical intervention can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of stroke include:

-Disorientation or confusion

-Difficulty speaking

-Difficulty walking

-Impaired vision

-Weakness in the face, legs, or arms

-Severe headaches

When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Treatment begins generally immediately if a stroke is detected.

Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed by inserting a catheter (thin needle) into the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.

Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the rupture of an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges), surgery to stem the bleeding aneurysm and vessel may be used. One surgical technique is stent-assisted coiling, which adds a stent (small wire-meshed tube) into the blood vessel to block the leaking opening of the aneurysm. A non-surgical procedure is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) places a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.

Since stroke patients may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed, both ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke patients may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, stroke rehabilitation can last for years.

If someone begins to show signs of stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to help avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.

**Gender**
Male	499
Female	549

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	928
Black	35
Hispanic	38
Asian	0
Other	29
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	381
From 75 to 84	322
85 and over	151
Less than 65	194

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	25
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	31
Dementia	20
Cancer	17

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	964
CT scan	515
diagnostic procedures	14
lab tests	13
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	551
neck imaging	59
spinal procedures	159
ultrasound (sonogram)	51
vascular procedures	168

**Gender**
Male	543
Female	588

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	976
Black	39
Hispanic	60
Asian	0
Other	29
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	404
From 75 to 84	320
85 and over	185
Less than 65	222

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	28
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	20
Heart Failure	32
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	28
Dementia	20
Cancer	17

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	981
CT scan	578
diagnostic procedures	13
lab tests	23
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	502
neck imaging	68
spinal procedures	140
ultrasound (sonogram)	91
vascular procedures	202

**Gender**
Male	1172
Female	1206

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	2054
Black	96
Hispanic	116
Asian	60
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	904
From 75 to 84	660
85 and over	374
Less than 65	440

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	38
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	31
Dementia	22
Cancer	19

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	942
CT scan	529
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	543
neck imaging	56
spinal procedures	154
ultrasound (sonogram)	84
vascular procedures	164

**Gender**
Male	582
Female	595

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1024
Black	38
Hispanic	58
Asian	0
Other	30
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	433
From 75 to 84	337
85 and over	200
Less than 65	207

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	26
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	41
Asthma	23
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	28
Dementia	30
Cancer	21

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	751
CT scan	420
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	453
neck imaging	21
spinal procedures	153
ultrasound (sonogram)	113
vascular procedures	176

**Gender**
Male	518
Female	584

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	963
Black	37
Hispanic	47
Asian	16
Other	39
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	432
From 75 to 84	351
85 and over	163
Less than 65	156

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	25
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	42
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	30
Dementia	30
Cancer	18

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	723
CT scan	454
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	426
neck imaging	37
spinal procedures	153
ultrasound (sonogram)	54
vascular procedures	87

**Gender**
Male	492
Female	500

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	876
Black	34
Hispanic	42
Asian	0
Other	24
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	359
From 75 to 84	319
85 and over	141
Less than 65	173

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	27
Ischemic Heart Disease	51
Depression	44
Chronic Kidney Disease	45
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	29
Dementia	31
Cancer	23

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	764
CT scan	401
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	381
neck imaging	35
spinal procedures	59
ultrasound (sonogram)	84
vascular procedures	160

**Gender**
Male	505
Female	532

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	860
Black	49
Hispanic	49
Asian	0
Other	53
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	401
From 75 to 84	327
85 and over	151
Less than 65	158

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	22
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	42
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	19
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	26
Dementia	30
Cancer	19

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	760
CT scan	429
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	479
neck imaging	22
spinal procedures	151
ultrasound (sonogram)	62
vascular procedures	98

**Gender**
Male	498
Female	515

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	867
Black	48
Hispanic	40
Asian	14
Other	44
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	391
From 75 to 84	317
85 and over	159
Less than 65	146

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	22
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	18
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	28
Dementia	30
Cancer	19

brain imaging (neuroimaging)	876
CT scan	473
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	478
neck imaging	7
spinal procedures	116
ultrasound (sonogram)	185
vascular procedures	244

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD treated as a diagnostic radiologist in Boston, MA were brain imaging (neuroimaging), CT scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and vascular procedures.

blood draw	10
brain imaging (neuroimaging)	844
CT scan	475
diagnostic procedures	13
lab tests	15
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)	475
neck imaging	41
spinal procedures	134
ultrasound (sonogram)	91
vascular procedures	166

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD.

**Gender**
Male	480
Female	506

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	37
Asian / Pacific Islander	9
Non-Hispanic White	854
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	45
Other	24

**Age**
75 to 84	295
85 and over	152
Less than 65	169
65 to 74	370

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

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

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	20
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	9
Osteoporosis	10
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	23
Atrial Fibrillation	14
Cancer	15
Dementia	21

Education & Training

Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD graduated from National University of Colombia Faculty of Medicine. He is certified by the Diagnostic Radiology, American Board of Radiology and has a state license in Massachusetts.

Medical School: National University of Colombia Faculty of Medicine

Board Certification: Diagnostic Radiology, American Board of Radiology

Licensed In: Massachusetts

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL PHYSICIANS ORGANIZATION 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. Otto Rapalino, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, MultiPlan, United Healthcare, Tufts Health Plan, Aetna, TRICARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Humana, Railroad Medicare, Coventry, Cigna, Blue California, Beech Street, WellPoint, Medicare ACO, WellSense, Senior Whole Health, Fallon Health, Commonwealth Care Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Medicare - NH, Maine Community Health Options, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, MassHealth, WellSense NH and Blue Cross Blue Shield NH.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

MultiPlan

United Healthcare

Tufts Health Plan

Aetna

TRICARE

Medicare

Medicaid

Humana

Railroad Medicare

Coventry

Cigna

Blue California

Beech Street

WellPoint

Medicare ACO

WellSense

Senior Whole Health

Fallon Health

Commonwealth Care Alliance

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare

Medicare - NH

Maine Community Health Options

Mass General Brigham Health Plan

MassHealth

WellSense NH

Blue Cross Blue Shield NH

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.	$6,514 Non-Product Specific $6,514

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$6,498
Food and Beverage	$16

Research Payments

Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD has received 15 research payments totaling $40,390.

Biography

Dr. Otto Rapalino is a neuroradiology and diagnostic radiology specialist. Clinical interests for Dr. Rapalino include spinal cord tumor, neuroradiology, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Rapalino appears to be in-network for Blue California, Coventry, Viant, and more. Before performing his residency at NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Rapalino attended National University of Colombia Faculty of Medicine for medical school. Dr. Rapalino (or staff) speaks Hebrew and Spanish. His professional affiliations include Massachusetts General Hospital and Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Select Year:

Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD can help you with:

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Otto Rapalino, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

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

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Insurance Information

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Research Payments

Biography

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