Here are some of the frequent questions we get from our patients.
By choosing Dr. Russell and the Russell Center, you are opting for a dedicated, expert team that values your individual needs and provides comprehensive, high-quality care for your thyroid health.
Choosing to see Dr. Jonathon Russell at the Russell Center for Endocrine Health for your thyroid problem offers several compelling benefits (see graphic below)
Quick Access: Because your health is our primary concern, we make it easy to see our team. We can usually schedule you to see Dr Russell within a week of calling, and often can do surgery within a few weeks (faster if you have done all of your workup).
Personalized Care: Dr. Russell and his team prioritize a personalized approach, dedicating ample time to understand your unique condition and health goals. This means you receive tailored treatment options rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
Expertise and Specialization: With extensive experience in endocrine disorders, Dr. Russell specializes in thyroid and parathyroid conditions. His focused expertise ensures that you receive the highest level of care for complex thyroid and parathyroid issues.
Comprehensive Options: At the Russell Center, you'll have access to a wide range of treatment options. Dr. Russell takes the time to discuss all possible approaches, helping you make informed decisions about your care.
Patient-Centered Approach: The Russell Center is dedicated to putting your needs first. Unlike traditional settings where time may be limited, you’ll benefit from thorough consultations and a supportive environment that prioritizes your health and well-being.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: Dr. Russell is committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements. This means you have access to the latest and most effective treatments available for thyroid issues.
Holistic Care: The center focuses not only on treating your condition but also on supporting your overall health. Dr. Russell’s holistic approach considers all aspects of your well-being, which can lead to better long-term outcomes.
Compassionate Support: Navigating thyroid problems can be challenging, and the Russell Center offers compassionate care and support throughout your treatment journey, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
For total thyroid and parathyroid surgeries nationwide
Nationwide for RFA procedures
Remote access thyroid and parathyroid surgeon in the US over the last 10 years by volume
Fewer complications than the published national average
To do robotic transoral surgery for cancer in the US
Head and neck surgeon to do RFA for thyroid cancer
Most accessible. We don't have a call center. When you call, you talk to our team.
At the Russell Center, we understand that navigating the world of insurance and out-of-network care can be confusing. While Dr. Russell and our Center are not in-network with insurance companies, we offer flexible options for payment, including self-pay and using your out-of-network benefits. Our goal is to support you in whichever way works best for you.
Here’s a bit of background to explain why we operate this way: The typical insurance model often limits the time and resources dedicated to each patient, focusing on efficiency and cost-saving measures. While this might work well for standard procedures, it can be less effective for those needing specialized or personalized care.
Patients with thyroid and parathyroid conditions often have multiple treatment options, and finding the right one can require more time and discussion than what is usually available in a traditional insurance-based system. And these advanced treatment options often aren't covered by insurance or take longer to perform than traditional techniques. At the Russell Center, we are committed to providing the time and attention needed to explore all your options thoroughly and to ensure the best possible outcome for your health. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to offer the personalized care and support you deserve from one of the most experienced surgeons in the world.
Yes! Because Dr Russell is internationally recognized as the expert in minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid therapies, many of our patients travel from around the world or the country to seek our expertise. Let us know if we can help you with transportation or lodging recommendations while you are visiting.
We consider helping our patients with reimbursement a top priority. Because each situation will be unique, we ask that you contact your insurance plan and find out if you have out-of-network coverage. We will provide any documentation your plan calls for to assist you in receiving reimbursement if you are eligible. In many cases, the total out of pocket costs are similar or less than what they would have been using insurance with an "in network" surgeon.
An initial consultation with Dr Russell costs $250. This will usually include an ultrasound and a discussion about your treatment plan, and may include an examination of your larynx with a camera (flexible laryngoscopy). All of this is included in the $250 cost.
We believe in full transparency. You will know exactly what your costs will be before you schedule any treatment with us. We do not want financial considerations to impact who patients would like to see with these important health problems.
We also strongly believe that every patient should receive the best possible care in the way that they would like to receive it. If you would like to see Dr Russell, but are suffering from financial hardship, please speak with us about potential solutions.
* Hospital and anesthesia fees are usually covered by insurance as an in-network benefit at our partner hospitals. International pricing may differ. Please inquire directly.
Dr Russell is out-of-network with all insurance plans. Out-of-network benefits are different for each patient and each insurance company. Calling your insurance company can often provide clues. The hospitals that we work with accept most insurance plans: in most cases, your insurance company will cover the costs of anesthesia, the hospital, and any pre-operative testing as per your in-network benefits. Dr Russell's fee would be separate and would be submitted for out-of-network reimbursement. For some patients, it may be less expensive to bill the entire procedure as an out-of-network expense. We are happy to assist you in determining which approach will be most cost-effective for you. Our goal is to make sure any patient who would like to be treated by Dr Russell can be treated at the Russell Center for Endocrine Health.
Dr Russell provided direct training to residents, fellows and guests for 10 years while at Johns Hopkins. While he does not allow hands-on training any more (because he does the surgery himself), he regularly hosts guests from around the world who are interested in learning techniques such as "scarless" surgery or RFA. Please reach out to him directly or contact our main office email (info@russell-center.com) if you would like to schedule a time to observe. We will do our best to accommodate those who are interested as availability permits.
Want to talk about your specific health concerns? Schedule a consultation.
Talk to us today!
World-class thyroid/parathyroid health and surgery center located in the greater DC/Baltimore area.