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Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD

(Robert Richardson, MD, PHD)
Specializes in: Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine
Professional interests include: epilepsy, deep brain stimulation (DBS), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and more.
55 Fruit Street Suite 745, Wang Ambulatory Care Center
Boston, MA 02114

Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD is a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA specializing in neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Neurosurgery.

View Doctor's Full Profile (617) 726-8849

Office Locations

55 Fruit Street Suite 745, Wang Ambulatory Care Center
Boston, MA 02114
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Some issues Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD can help you with:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a procedure performed to help treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Electrode leads are surgically implanted in the brain and connected to a device, called a neurostimulator (deep brain stimulator), that is placed underneath the skin (subcutaneously). The deep brain stimulator can send electrical signals through the electrodes to the brain to restore normal rhythms, or it can block electrical signals in specific areas of the brain to restore functioning. Although not a cure, DBS can treat symptoms of movement disorders such as pain and tremor when medication fails to work.

DBS surgery may be completed in one operating session, but it is more commonly performed in two parts. In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will map targets in the brain using CT or MRI imaging to determine where to place the electrodes. Then, by drilling holes into the skull, the surgeon will place the electrodes into specific areas in the brain. The holes will be closed, and patients will require 1-2 days to recover in the hospital. After about two weeks, patients will undergo another surgery to have the deep brain stimulator implanted. The stimulator is usually placed under the skin around the collarbone, chest, or abdomen, and it will be connected to the DBS electrodes through a subcutaneous wire. No component of the DBS system will be visible from outside. Following stimulator implantation, patients may need to recover in the hospital for 1-2 days.

Within 2-4 weeks of the operation, doctors will program the stimulator using a wireless device. Patients will work with their doctor to determine the most effective settings for the stimulator during follow-up visits. Patients will be given a handheld device so that they can turn the stimulator on or off and adjust its settings themselves. The stimulator may have a rechargeable battery, in which case patients will be given a charging unit. Stimulator batteries generally need to be replaced in 3-5 years.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly referred to as "OCD," is a disorder characterized by patterns of unwelcome thoughts, ideas, or feelings (known as "obsessions") that may cause people to perform repetitive actions. For example, people with OCD may feel compelled to repeatedly wash their hands or to clean or to check on doors to confirm that they are indeed locked. These repetitive behaviors are often fueled by fears or strong beliefs about personal control and potential dangers. The compulsive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors associated with OCD can interfere with daily life and cause severe distress.

OCD frequently revolves around themes such as the fear of contracting germs or the fear of death. Common obsessions include:

  • Fear of getting contaminated by people or the environment
  • Extreme concern with order or precision
  • Fear of death or behaviors perceived as risky
  • Fear of accidents, disasters, and traumatic incidents

These obsessions and compulsions often contribute to anxiety, depression, and recurring emotions of fear and disgust. People with OCD cannot "turn off" their patterns of thought or behavior, and thus must continually grapple with urges to behave or think in a certain way, as well as the emotions associated with these urges. Some OCD patients describe their entire life as revolving around their obsessions and compulsions and this can result in their missing out on important school and social activities, travel, and family time. The impact of OCD is extensive and can even make daily activities like drinking, reading, sleeping, and eating extremely difficult.

The obsessions manifest in compulsive behaviors that can have negative implications on one's life. Some examples of compulsive behaviors include, among others:

  • Excessive hand washing or showering
  • Constant reordering or arranging of items
  • Refusal to fly, drive, or participate in other activities
  • Refusal to leave one's residence

Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects adults, adolescents, and children. OCD has been observed in children as young as five or six years of age, usually through sensitivity issues, obsessions about dirt or germs, or repeated doubts. The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown. However, a person's likelihood of developing the condition may be increased by a number of variables such as family history, stressful life events, and pre-existing mental health disorders.

OCD is diagnosed based on a patients' reported symptoms. For example, a pediatrician or child psychiatrist may ask children (or their parents) how often they wash their hands or experience behavioral urges. Psychiatrists will evaluate patients for other symptoms and may instruct patients to describe their mental processes, thought patterns, and previous traumatic experiences.

While there is no cure for OCD, treatment can greatly improve patients' functioning in daily routines and activities. A common treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify negative patterns of thought and behavior and learn how to adjust them. Aversion therapy may also help those who have a fear of germs or contamination by forcing them to confront their fear and slowly overcome it. Many patients also benefit from counseling to address the anxiety, stress, and trauma that may accompany OCD. Other treatments for OCD include oral medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, which are antidepressants) to normalize levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, which may improve OCD symptoms. Medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) can help alleviate OCD-related behavioral urges, anxiety, and depression. Many OCD patients also find OCD support groups helpful to learn new coping strategies, to socialize, and to verbalize their emotions and experiences.

It is important to note that while OCD is a common mental health disorder, it is not a personality trait. The term "OCD" is sometimes used to informally describe someone having a tendency towards organization or orderliness. This usage is pervasive but inappropriate - OCD is a severe, life-altering condition. Some people with OCD who successfully manage their symptoms find that they may benefit from other traits that may be associated with OCD, such as high attention to detail and precision.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

cranial neurostimulator implantation
neurostimulator replacement

In 2023, Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD performed more cranial neurostimulator implantation, and neurostimulator replacement procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of providers in related specialties within Massachusetts.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2013 were neurostimulator replacement and implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 34
implant surgery 25
neurostimulator replacement 25

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 45
Female 30
Age
From 65 to 74 25
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2013

Hypertension 51
High Cholesterol 47
Stroke 16
Ischemic Heart Disease 28
Depression 31
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 20
Dementia 0
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2014 were neurostimulator replacement and implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 45
implant surgery 30
neurostimulator replacement 30

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 39
Female 33
Age
From 65 to 74 25
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 36

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2014

Hypertension 50
High Cholesterol 38
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 44
Chronic Kidney Disease 24
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 26
Dementia 17
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2015 were neurostimulator replacement and implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 34
implant surgery 30
neurostimulator replacement 30

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 76
Female 74
Age
From 65 to 74 0
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 80

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2015

Hypertension 44
High Cholesterol 41
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 25
Depression 51
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 17
Dementia 20
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2016 were neurostimulator replacement, implant surgery, neurostimulator lead placement and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 12
doctor visit 28
implant surgery 40
neurostimulator lead placement 12
neurostimulator replacement 40

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 46
Female 33
Age
From 65 to 74 31
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 35

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2016

Hypertension 49
High Cholesterol 46
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 22
Depression 44
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 16
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 16
Dementia 22
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2017 were neurostimulator replacement, implant surgery, neurostimulator lead placement and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 11
doctor visit 16
implant surgery 37
neurostimulator lead placement 11
neurostimulator replacement 37

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 37
Female 29
Age
From 65 to 74 26
From 75 to 84 15
85 and over 0
Less than 65 25

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2017

Hypertension 52
High Cholesterol 55
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 48
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 0
Dementia 21
Cancer 17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2018 were neurostimulator replacement, implant surgery, neurostimulator lead placement and cranial surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

cranial surgery 17
implant surgery 41
neurostimulator lead placement 17
neurostimulator replacement 41

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 41
Female 23
Age
From 65 to 74 39
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2018

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 58
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 27
Depression 47
Chronic Kidney Disease 25
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 20
Dementia 31
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2019 were neurostimulator replacement and implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

implant surgery 18
neurostimulator replacement 18

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 25
Female 12
Age
From 65 to 74 20
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2019

Hypertension 57
High Cholesterol 57
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 41
Depression 49
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 0
Dementia 0
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2020

Hypertension 0
High Cholesterol 0
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 0
Depression 58
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 0
Dementia 0
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2021

Hypertension 0
High Cholesterol 0
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 0
Depression 68
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 0
Dementia 0
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA during 2022 were neurostimulator replacement and implant surgery.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

implant surgery 13
neurostimulator replacement 13

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 17
Female 15
Age
From 65 to 74 16
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD in 2022

Hypertension 34
High Cholesterol 53
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 0
Depression 59
Chronic Kidney Disease 0
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 0
Atrial Fibrilation 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 0
Dementia 0
Cancer 0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated as a neurosurgeon in Boston, MA were neurostimulator replacement, implant surgery, neurostimulator lead placement and cranial surgery.

cranial surgery 13
doctor visit 28
implant surgery 29
neurostimulator lead placement 13
neurostimulator replacement 29

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD.

Gender
Male 29
Female 22
Age
75 to 84 1
85 and over 0
Less than 65 19
65 to 74 16

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD treated were depression, hypertension, high cholesterol and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension 36
High Cholesterol 35
Stroke 1
Ischemic Heart Disease 18
Depression 45
Chronic Kidney Disease 6
Asthma 1
Osteoporosis 0
Heart Failure 0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 0
Diabetes 9
Atrial Fibrillation 0
Dementia 10
Cancer 1

Education & Training

Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Massachusetts.

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine

Residency: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: Neurological Surgery, American Board of Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: Massachusetts

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Massachusetts General Hospital
Mass General Neurosurgery

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

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD accepts the following insurance providers:

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
MultiPlan
Tufts Health Plan
United Healthcare
Aetna
TRICARE
Medicare
Medicaid
Humana
Coventry
Cigna
Blue California
Beech Street
WellPoint
Medicare ACO
WellSense
Senior Whole Health
Fallon Health
Commonwealth Care Alliance
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
Maine Community Health Options
Mass General Brigham Health Plan
MassHealth
WellSense NH

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 17 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD from all over the web to help you find the right in Boston, MA. 

5
Overall Rating
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General Payments

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

Payments by Company
Medtronic USA, Inc. $39,060 ACTIVA
$31,195 		Deep Brain Neurostimulation
$1,361 		RECLAIM
$1,040 		Deep Brain Stimulation - ST
$33
$5,431
NeuroPace, Inc. $28,332 RNS Neurostimulator Kit
$20,242 		RNS System
$7,997 		RNSSystem
$92
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. $13,087 ROSA
$11,576 		ROSA Brain
$1,298 		ROI A
$137 		ROSA CMFT
$76
ClearPoint Neuro, Inc. $11,186 CLEARPOINT
$8,481 		ClearPoint Neuro Workstation
$1,810 		ClearPoint System
$896
Boston Scientific Corporation $6,378 GENERAL DBS
$4,138 		VERCISE
$1,234 		GENERAL THERAPIES
$908 		GENERAL - DBS
$98
Other $13,864 Kick, Airo, Curve, Buzz, Node, Exact Trac, Novalis, TramaCad, Elements
$2,211 		NeuroBlate
$1,145 		DBS Accessories
$667 		ClearPoint System
$243 		Infinity DBS Pulse Generators
$177 		Other
$9,421
Types of Payments
Consulting Fee $52,140
Travel and Lodging $27,716
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program $19,820
Food and Beverage $11,032
Grant $1,200

Research Payments

Dr. Robert Mark Richardson, MD, PhD has received 42 research payments totaling $130,528.

Biography

Dr. Robert Richardson is a specialist in pediatric neurosurgery. He works in Boston, MA. Clinical interests for Dr. Richardson include dystonia, parkinson's disease, and epilepsy. He is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital. After completing medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine, he performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). His patients gave him an average rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). He accepts Blue California, Coventry, and Viant, in addition to other insurance carriers.

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