About me
Rajiv Parikh, MD, MPHS, is an attending plastic and reconstructive surgeon affiliated with MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Assistant Clinical Professor at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a plastic and reconstructive specialist, he performs reconstructive surgery, from head to toe, to restore form and function in patients with cancer or traumatic injuries.
Dr. Parikh specializes in breast reconstruction after breast cancer, functional limb salvage for patients with traumatic injuries, chronic wounds, and/or oncological defects, and facial paralysis surgery. He also treats patients with peripheral nerve injuries in the upper and lower extremity as well as performs body contouring procedures, such as breast reductions and breast lifts.
Dedicated to bringing the safest, most novel techniques to his patients, Dr. Parikh performs microsurgical reconstruction and utilizes enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (ERAS) to minimize pain and improve patient outcomes. He is specialty-trained in autologous microvascular breast reconstruction techniques and in restoring sensation to women’s breasts, both after mastectomy and breast reconstruction. He also performs unique treatments with lymphovenous bypass (LVB), or vascularized lymph node transplants, to prevent and treat lymphedema in women with breast cancer undergoing axillary lymph node dissections. He employs novel techniques to treat facial paralysis, such as nerve transfer procedures.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Parikh is invested in the advancement of his field and is an active researcher, having published more than 40 scientific papers and book chapters. Currently, he is investigating health disparities, value-based healthcare delivery, surgical outcomes, and surgical treatment decision-making among the breast cancer and extremity reconstruction populations.
As an early adopter and leading investigator on enhanced recovery after surgery protocols; which aim to reduce pain, minimize the need for narcotics, and get patients back to their normal function earlier; Dr. Parikh is dedicated to improving patient satisfaction after surgery.
Dr. Parikh received his medical degree from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, where he earned membership to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He then joined Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During his time at Washington University, he also completed a Master of Population Health Sciences degree and a clinical research fellowship with the university’s Institute of Public Health, which was supported by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Research Service Award. Finally, he completed specialty fellowship training in microsurgery and oncological reconstruction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Dr. Parikh was an inaugural recipient of the Plastic Surgery Foundation Clinical Research Leaders Scholarship Award. He is involved, on a national level, with plastic surgery organizations and has served as a resident ambassador to the Editorial Board, and is currently a peer-reviewer, for the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS).
In his free time, Dr. Parikh enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, playing basketball and soccer, and alpine skiing.
Philosophy of Care
“I am a firm believer in a personalized patient-centered approach to care. My philosophy is to provide care that is respectful of individual patient preferences, needs, and values, and to ensure that patient values guide all clinical decisions. This approach requires a true partnership with patients, one where I really listen to the individual patient’s needs and aspirations.
“I always use a shared-decision making process where patients are actively engaged. I use examples and plain language to explain different treatment options available to patients in an easy-to-understand way. After explaining all of their options, I listen to patients and work with them to help them choose the option that best accomplishes their goals and improves their individual situation.
“My goal, in addition to being an excellent healthcare provider, is to be a trustworthy and reliable colleague. I am always available to help referring physicians in any way. I encourage open and frequent communication and will always work to see referred patients as soon as possible. I will always update referring providers after I evaluate their patient and again if I provide any surgical treatment to the patient.”
Clinical areas of focus
- Breast Reconstruction
- Free Flap With Microvascular Anastomosis
- Limb Salvage
- Microsurgical Nerve Reconstruction
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Mohs Reconstruction
- Mohs Surgery
- Muscle Flap
- Perforator Flap Reconstruction
- Serratus Anterior Flap Breast Reconstruction
Conditions and procedures
Conditions I treat
- Abdomen, Lower Back, Pelvis, And Genital Open Wound
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
- Acquired Absence Of Organs
- Acquired Finger Deformity
- Ankle And Foot Fracture
- Atherosclerosis
- Basal Cell Carcinoma Of Skin
- Body Region Injury
- Bone Infection (OSTEOMYELITIS)
- Breast Deformity
- Breast Disorders
- Breast Implant Revision
- Breast Reconstruction
- Congenital Malformations Of Breast
- Disturbances Of Skin Sensation
- Dorsalgia
- Early Complications Of Trauma
- Family History Of Malignant Neoplasm
- Finger, Hand, And Wrist Open Wound
- Forearm Blood Vessel Injury
- Forearm Tendon Injury
- Hand And Wrist Fracture
- Hip And Thigh Open Wound
- Hypertrophic Skin Disorders
- Knee And Leg Open Wound
- Lower Limb Ulcer
- Lymphedema
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- Muscle Disorders
- Musculoskeletal System Complications
- Musculoskeletal System Deformities
- Ovarian Disorders
- Peripheral Nerve Surgery
- Peripheral Vascular Diseases
- Personal History Of Diseases And Conditions
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Shoulder Open Wound
- Skin And Soft Tissue Infections
- Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Complications
- Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
- Skull Fractures
- Swelling In Legs
- Tendinous Disorders
- Thoracic Cavity Open Wound
- Transplanted Organ And Tissue Status
- Uncertain Behavior Of Prostate Lesions
- Venous Embolism
- Venous Ulcers
- Wound Care
- Wrist And Hand Amputation
- Wrist And Hand Joint And Ligament Dislocation And Sprain
- Wrist And Hand Tendon Injury
- Wrist, Hand, And Finger Crushing Injury
Procedures I perform
- Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
- Abdominal Wall Stoma Repair
- Abdominal Wall Supplement
- Bilateral Breast Augmentation
- Body Contouring
- Breast Cyst Removal
- Breast Implant Revision
- Breast Lift With Implants
- Breast Reconstruction
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Synthetic Substitute Removal
- Chest Subcutaneous Tissue Excision
- Chest Wall Reconstruction
- Cleft Lip And Palate Treatment
- Club Hand Reconstruction
- Clubfoot Correction
- Excision Of Left Tarsal
- Excision, Excessive Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue
- Facelift
- Facial Cosmetic Surgery
- Facial Nerve Repair
- Fat Grafting
- Femoral Nerve Reposition
- Femoral Nerve Transfer
- Finger Contracture Release
- Flap Reconstruction
- Foot Skin Replacement
- Forearm Lipectomy
- Hand Replantation
- Incision And Drainage Of Abscess
- Jejunum Supplement
- Left Abdomen Muscle Excision
- Limb Salvage
- Liposuction
- Mastectomy
- Mastopexy
- Microsurgery
- Microsurgical Nerve Reconstruction
- Microsurgical Procedures
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Mohs Reconstruction
- Mohs Surgery
- Muscle Flap
- Nerve Graft
- Nerve Grafting
- Nipple Reconstruction
- Ostectomy
- Peripheral Nerve Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Repair Of Intermediate Wound
- Scar Revision
- Serratus Anterior Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Simple Mastectomy
- Skin Graft
- Skin Graft Urethroplasty
- Skin Substitute Grafting
- Tissue Expander Placement
- Tissue Expansion
- Toe Replacement Surgery
- Transfer Scalp Subcutaneous Tissue
- Ventral Hernia Repair With Mesh
- Vestibuloplasty
- Wound Care
- Wound Closure
- Wound Repair
- Wound Skin Substitute
- Z-Plasty
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.
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List of insurance plans we accept
- POS OA
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthcare Alliance
- United Healthcare Choice
- M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)
- CIGNA POS/Network POS
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced
- United HealthCare Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program
- CIGNA HMO & Network (HMO)
- Fee-for-Service (FFS) District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Medicaid
- Fee-for-Service (FFS) District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Medicaid
- Aetna Basic
- HealthyBlue PPO
- Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
- Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
- CareFirst Administrators
- Kaiser Permanente Select - Added Choice
- Sentara Health
- Police and Fire Clinic
- Aetna Classic 5000
- Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA
- Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
- OA Plus
- United Healthcare Navigate Cardiac Global
- IH-PPO
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
- DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans
- WellPoint Maryland - Maryland Health Choice
- CareFirst BlueChoice HMO
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO
- UHC Group Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO, POS, PPO)
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (POS & POS OA)
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage
- Private Health Care Systems (PPO)
- Aetna Advantage 6350PD
- IH-Open POS Plus
- CareFirst Community Health Plan of MD
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Standard
- Aetna Worker's Compensation Network
- IH-Open HMO
- Medicare Direct
- Anthem BCBS of VA Key Care POS/PPO/Indemnity
- United Healthcare Select Plus (POS)
- MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global
- IH-POS Plus
- BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage)
- UHC Passport
- CIGNA PPO Plus
- Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
- Advantra Platinum (PPO)
- CIGNA Connect EPO
- Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
- Kaiser Permanente HMO Plus and DHMO Plus Member
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PFFS Plan
- Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account
- TRICARE East Prime
- Kaiser Maryland Medicaid MCO
- IH-Indemnity
- Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
- First Health PPO
- CareFirst Blue Card Program
- Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Plus
- Cigna True Choice Medicare (PPO)
- CIGNA HMO Open Access
- IH-Open HMO Option
- Medicare Advantage - Advantra Value (PPO)
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Open Access
- United Healthcare Choice Plus
- Aetna VA Exchange
- Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Dual Adv
- NYC Medicare Advantage Plus
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP
- IH-EPO Plus
- Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
- M.D. IPA (HMO)
- Choice POS II
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
- Geisinger Medicare Advantage
- IH-POS
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Basic
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (HMO)
- CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO)
- Employee Health Plan
- OCI Direct (HMO)
- UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- CIGNA SureFit (HMO)
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus
- Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
- United Healthcare Options (PPO)
- Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefit (PPO)
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Adv. Special Needs Plans
- Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
- Choice POS
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Select
- United Healthcare Community Plan - VA Medicaid MCO
- Cigna Alliance Medicare (HMO)
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- HighMark
- Network OA
- CareFirst NASCO
- CIGNA PPO
- HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO
- HumanaChoice PPO
- IH-Open Network Only Plus
- CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO
- Cigna True Choice Plus Medicare (PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Select Cardiac Global
- Aetna HMO
- AMERIVANTAGE/Amerigroup Community Care
- Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
- Core Essential (HMO)
- Options PPO Cardiac Global
- TRICARE East Select
- Blue Choice Advantage
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- United Student Resources
- United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans
- Cigna TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
- Choice Care Network/HUMANA (PPO)
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage - PPO
- IH-HMO
- United Healthcare Choice Cardiac Global
- CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
- UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Complete Plans
- Aetna Classic 3500
- BlueChoice Open Access
- Maryland Physicians Care MCO
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthy Families
- Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage DSNP District of Columbia
- Humana Gold Plus HMO
- Choice Fund PPO
- Medicare FFS
- IH-Open POS II
- Aetna Classic 5000PD
- Optima Family Care MCO - VA Medicaid MCO
- MultiPlan, Inc
- Humana Medicare Advantage - HMO Open Access
- Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice
- CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- Coventry Health Care of Virginia
- Optimum Choice
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers Plus
- Amerigroup DC Alliance
- First Health PPO
- United Healthcare Select HMO - EPO/NPP
- Aetna Advantage 5750
- Kaiser Permanente Signature
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice POS Cardiac Global
- Choice POS II Open Access
- Aetna Better Health of MD
- HUMANA/Choice Care Medicare Plans (Choice, Gold Choice)
- United Healthcare Choice Plus Cardiac Global
- Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue SNP
- Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
- Aetna Advantage 6350
- CareFirst MedStar PPO
- CIGNA Indemnity
- Erickson Advantage Plans
- Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO)
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO) Cardiac Global
- IH-Open EPO Plus
- Amerigroup DC Healthy Families
- Cigna Achieve Medicare (HMO C-SNP)
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice 3-tier POS
- BCBS of Michigan (BCN Advantage,Security Blue, Freedom, Medicare PLUS Blue Group PPO)
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
- CareFirst FEP Blue Focus
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
- Kaiser Permanente Signature - Added Choice
- TRICARE for Life East
- Navigate
- Beech Street PPO
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance
- Kaiser Permaenete Signature - Added Choice Cardiac Global
- Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
- IH-Network Only Plus
- UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
- United Healthcare Select HMO-EPO/NPP Cardiac Global
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
- CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO
- Magellan Complete Care of VA - VA Medicaid MCO
- Tricare Reserve Select
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs
- CareFirst EPO
- Aetna Premier 200PD
- CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan
- CIGNA EPO
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Signature and Select
Education
Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery
Fellowship: Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2021)
Residency: Washington University School of Medicine (2020)
Medical School: University of South Florida (2012)
Awards
- Clinical Research Leaders Scholarship, Inaugural Recipient: The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute)
- Most Outstanding Presentation, James Barrett Brown Research Day, Washington University School of Medicine)
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (AΩA)