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Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Heather Elizabeth Merry, MD)

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Specializes in: Thoracic Surgery and Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery)

University of Washington School of Medicine (2002)

Professional interests include: empyema, thoracic outlet syndrome, lung mass, and more.

4805 Northeast Glisan Street Suite 11N-8
Portland, OR 97213

(503) 215-2300

Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD is a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR specializing in thoracic surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). She graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 2002 and has 24 years of experience. Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD is affiliated with Providence.

Office Locations

4805 Northeast Glisan Street Suite 11N-8
Portland, OR 97213

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Some issues Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD can help you with:

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, is inserted in the mouth or nose and slowly advanced to the lungs. This allows doctors to see the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways), and lungs. Doctors may recommend those who have or show signs of lung problems - for example, lung cancer or difficulty breathing - to undergo a bronchoscopy.

In performing a diagnostic bronchoscopy, doctors may only wish to visualize the respiratory tract, or doctors may also collect samples of tissue or fluid. The samples can help diagnose patients' conditions or, if patients have cancer, they can be used for staging purposes. One method for sample collection is bronchoalveolar lavage. In a bronchoalveolar lavage, doctors inject saline (salt water) through the bronchoscope and then suction it out of the airways. The washout collected is tested for lung disorders. Doctors can also insert a biopsy tool to collect tissue or mucus samples. The following are biopsies that can be performed by bronchoscopy:

Brush biopsy, which uses a brush to collect samples.
Endobronchial biopsy, which uses the bronchoscope to guide forceps to sample lung tissue.
Transbronchial biopsy, which uses forceps and image guidance - such as X-rays, CT scans, or fluoroscopy - to sample lung tissue.
Transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA), which uses a small needle to take samples of the lymph nodes or lungs.

For visualization, bronchoscopy can be done alone, or it can be combined with ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allows real-time imaging of the airway and is used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as for determining where the cancer has spread. EBUS can be performed with TBNA, a procedure known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).

Doctors can also use bronchoscopy as a treatment for lung problems. For example, if a foreign body is trapped in the airway, doctors can insert forceps through the bronchoscope to remove it. If the airway has become narrowed - which may occur if patients have an infection, cancer, or some other inflammatory issue - bronchoscopy can be used to place a device called a stent in the area of constriction. The stent will keep the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe properly.

During a bronchoscopy, patients will be given medication (sedative) to help them relax. If it is only a diagnostic bronchoscopy, patients will be kept awake, but if the bronchoscopy is for therapeutic purposes, patients will be put to sleep by general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They will not be able to eat or drink for about 2 hours. Some patients may experience discomfort, such as a sore throat or pain while swallowing. Throat lozenges and gargling may help alleviate these symptoms, which should go away after a few days. Patients will need to have someone drive them home once their doctor determines that they are ready.

Lung Issues

Every cell in the body requires oxygen to function and produces carbon dioxide as a waste product. In order to keep the body's tissues constantly supplied with fresh oxygen and to keep waste from building up, the lungs pump air in and out, even while sleeping or unaware. Unfortunately, diseases and disorders affecting the lungs are some of the most common medical problems afflicting people around the world. Some of the most common lung problems include asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and lung cancer.

Asthma is a chronic disease where swollen, inflamed airways make it hard to breathe. It is often brought on by specific triggers. While asthma is a common condition, affecting millions of people, it can also be serious and even fatal in severe cases. Treatment involves avoiding triggers and using inhaled corticosteroid medications.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is the name given to two illnesses that both cause difficulty breathing: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the air sacs of the lungs become damaged, while with bronchitis they become clogged with mucus. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. It is almost always caused by breathing irritants into the lungs, such as smoking or heavy pollution.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in a week or two, but for some people pneumonia can be fatal. There are treatments available for pneumonia, but the best treatment is to prevent getting sick in the first place. People who are at risk should make sure they get a flu shot every year. There is also a vaccine available for the type of bacteria that causes pneumonia.

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells inside the lung grow into a tumor, destroying healthy tissue. Because it is so difficult to detect lung cancer in early stages when it has few symptoms, it is the deadliest form of cancer, responsible for the most cancer deaths both in the U.S. and worldwide. Most lung cancer is caused by exposure to tobacco smoke, but between 10-15% of cases are not linked to smoking.

Some problems with the lungs are minor and are not cause for concern. However if symptoms have lasted for a month or more, even if they are minor, it is worth checking with a healthcare professional. A cough, shortness of breath, or excess mucus production that lingers for weeks are all worth getting looked at.

Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy or tracheotomy is a surgical procedure to open an airway in a blocked trachea, or windpipe. A small hole is created in the neck, and a tube is often inserted into the hole to provide support and drainage. The patient can breathe through the hole that is created.

Tracheostomy is performed for a variety of reasons when a bypass to the normal airway is needed. A patient may have an object lodged in their throat or have an injury that damaged their windpipe. They may have cancer or a swelling in their throat that stops air from moving freely. Sometimes tracheostomy is performed to make breathing easier when patients are paralyzed or have trouble coming off a ventilator.

A tracheostomy can be temporary or permanent. A temporary tracheostomy tends to heal over easily when the tube is removed, leaving a small scar. A permanent tracheostomy can make speech difficult at first. It takes time to learn how to use the throat and air in a new way.

Tracheostomy is a fairly simple procedure, but it can make all the difference in a life or death situation.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2023

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

Top 5%

By Volume:

thoracic surgery procedures

VATS decortication

VATS wedge resection

By Affordability:

bronchoscopy

diagnostic bronchoscopy

diagnostic bronchoscopy without biopsy

non-anatomic lung resection

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Oregon, Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD performed more thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, VATS decortication, and VATS wedge resection procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and she also had a list price for bronchoscopy, diagnostic bronchoscopy, diagnostic bronchoscopy without biopsy, dissection, lung resection, lung wedge resection, lymphadenectomy (lymph node dissection), non-anatomic lung resection, pleural surgery, surgical dissection, VATS lung resection, VATS wedge resection, and wedge resection that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 10%

By Volume:

excision

minimally invasive procedures

thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy

video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

By Affordability:

lymph node excision

lymph node procedures

thoracic lymphadenectomy

thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Oregon, Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD performed more excision, minimally invasive procedures, thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) procedures for Medicare patients than 90% of them and she also had a list price for lymph node excision, lymph node procedures, thoracic lymphadenectomy, and thoracoscopic lymphadenectomy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 90% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR during 2012 were dissection, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, minimally invasive procedures and lymph node procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

dissection	14
excision	14
lymph node procedures	14
minimally invasive procedures	14
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR during 2013 were minimally invasive procedures, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, excision and dissection.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy	33
dissection	59
excision	109
lobectomy	31
lymph node procedures	59
minimally invasive procedures	191
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	179

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	104
Female	84

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	131
Black	17
Hispanic	0
Asian	20
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	87
From 75 to 84	60
85 and over	18
Less than 65	23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	59
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	40
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	45
Diabetes	48
Dementia	12
Cancer	62

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR during 2014 were minimally invasive procedures, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, excision and dissection.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy	25
dissection	56
doctor visit	13
excision	94
lobectomy	42
lymph node procedures	56
minimally invasive procedures	187
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	162

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	93
Female	90

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	142
Black	13
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	88
From 75 to 84	61
85 and over	17
Less than 65	17

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	55
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	23
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	51
Diabetes	34
Dementia	9
Cancer	66

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR during 2015 were thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, minimally invasive procedures, dissection and lobectomy.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

dissection	17
excision	17
lobectomy	17
lymph node procedures	17
minimally invasive procedures	34
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	34

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	50

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	106
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	56
From 75 to 84	46
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2015

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	60
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	37
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	28
Heart Failure	31
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	56
Diabetes	38
Dementia	0
Cancer	49

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	29
Female	26

**Age**
From 65 to 74	24
From 75 to 84	16
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2016

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	45
Depression	47
Chronic Kidney Disease	51
Asthma	40
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	22
Heart Failure	36
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	44
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	56

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	24
Female	19

**Age**
From 65 to 74	18
From 75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2017

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	49
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	49
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	33
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	42
Diabetes	35
Dementia	0
Cancer	53

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Age**
From 65 to 74	19
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2018

Hypertension	45
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	45

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	16
Female	22

**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. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2019

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	50
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	66

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	21
Female	25

**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. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2020

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	37
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	30
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	59

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	13

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	38
Female	31

**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. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2021

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	36
Diabetes	23
Dementia	0
Cancer	59

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR during 2022 were thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, minimally invasive procedures, excision and dissection.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

dissection	18
doctor visit	26
excision	36
lymph node procedures	18
minimally invasive procedures	36
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	36

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	50
Female	42

**Age**
From 65 to 74	49
From 75 to 84	31
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2022

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	73
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	32
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	37
Diabetes	18
Dementia	0
Cancer	59

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR during 2023 were minimally invasive procedures, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, excision and dissection.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

bronchoscopy	19
dissection	33
doctor visit	15
excision	63
lymph node procedures	33
minimally invasive procedures	107
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	88

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Male	46
Female	47

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	81
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	41
From 75 to 84	39
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD in 2023

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	72
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	32
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	37
Diabetes	24
Dementia	0
Cancer	59

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2023

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated as a thoracic surgeon in Portland, OR were minimally invasive procedures, thoracic (chest) surgery procedures, excision and dissection.

bronchoscopy	25
dissection	32
doctor visit	16
excision	55
lobectomy	30
lymph node procedures	32
minimally invasive procedures	94
thoracic (chest) surgery procedures	85

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2023

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD.

**Gender**
Female	36
Male	42

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	2
Asian / Pacific Islander	1
Non-Hispanic White	38
Hispanic	1
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	2
75 to 84	22
Less than 65	3
65 to 74	38

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD From 2012 - 2023

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	11
Osteoporosis	4
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	35
Diabetes	21
Atrial Fibrillation	16
Dementia	1
Cancer	52

Education & Training

Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD graduated from University of Washington School of Medicine in 2002. She completed residency at University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery and has a state license in Oregon.

Medical School: University of Washington School of Medicine (2002)

Residency: University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals (2009)

Board Certification: American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

Licensed In: Oregon

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Providence

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. Heather E. Merry, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: First Choice Health, TRICARE Prime, TRICARE For Life, CIGNA PPO, CIGNA Open Access Plus, United Healthcare, TRICARE, Medicaid, Blue California, CHAMPVA, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, Providence, Regence, US Family Health Plan, Medicare AB, Aetna PROV Employee POS, Moda Connexus Network, Age Right Marquis Advantage and Samaritan Health Plan Med Advantage.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Heather E. Merry, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

First Choice Health

TRICARE Prime

TRICARE For Life

CIGNA PPO

CIGNA Open Access Plus

United Healthcare

TRICARE

Medicaid

Blue California

CHAMPVA

United Healthcare PPO

United Healthcare POS

Providence

Regence

US Family Health Plan

Medicare AB

Aetna PROV Employee POS

Moda Connexus Network

Age Right Marquis Advantage

Samaritan Health Plan Med Advantage

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Olympus Corporation of the Americas	$570 Surgical Endoscopy Products $570
Pinnacle Biologics, Inc	$337 Photofrin $337
Ethicon Inc.	$303 Endoscopy Endocutters $303
Ethicon US, LLC	$299 PROLENE $223	Biosurgicals $69	Endoscopy Endocutters $8
Bovie Medical Corporation	$193 $193
Other	$776 BioGlue $151	Da Vinci Surgical System $135	Thoracic $124	ACM1, CRYO2 $120	Hancock $94	Other $152

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,758
Travel and Lodging	$537
Education	$183

Biography

Dr. Heather Merry's areas of specialization are surgical oncology (cancer surgery) and thoracic surgery; she sees patients in Portland, OR. Dr. Merry graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine and then she performed her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Washington. Her clinical interests include thoracic outlet syndrome, thoracostomy, and leiomyosarcoma. She accepts several insurance carriers, including Regence, Blue California, and United Healthcare POS. Dr. Merry is professionally affiliated with Providence. According to Doctor.com, she is currently accepting new patients at her office in Portland, OR.