Central Maryland Radiation Oncology: LDRT for Osteoarthritis
University of Maryland Medical System / Johns Hopkins Medicine · Columbia, MD
Contact and Location
Central Maryland Radiation Oncology
University of Maryland Medical System / Johns Hopkins Medicine
10710 Charter Drive, Suite G030, Columbia, MD 21044
Conditions treated: Osteoarthritis / degenerative joint pain
Physicians at This Location
- Sally B. Cheston, MD
Radiation Oncology, Medical Director
About This Location
Central Maryland Radiation Oncology is in Columbia, Maryland, part of University of Maryland Medical System / Johns Hopkins Medicine. We found evidence that it offers low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis, so it is listed as confirmed. One physician is listed for this location.
It is the only listed location in Columbia and one of 14 in Maryland. The closest other listed location is Capital Radiosurgery Centers in Halethorpe, MD, about 11 miles away.
Other LDRT Locations Near Columbia
- Capital Radiosurgery CentersHalethorpe, MD · about 11 miles
- Maryland Proton Treatment CenterBaltimore, MD · about 15 miles
- UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer CenterBaltimore, MD · about 15 miles
- Tate Cancer Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical CenterGlen Burnie, MD · about 15 miles
Straight-line distance from this location.
See all LDRT locations in Maryland, or browse the full nationwide directory.
Questions Patients Often Ask
Does Central Maryland Radiation Oncology offer LDRT for osteoarthritis?
Yes. We found evidence that Central Maryland Radiation Oncology offers low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for osteoarthritis, so it is listed as confirmed. Services can change, so call 443-546-1300 to check before you schedule.
Where else can I get LDRT near Columbia?
The closest other listed locations are Capital Radiosurgery Centers in Halethorpe, MD (about 11 miles away), Maryland Proton Treatment Center in Baltimore, MD (about 15 miles away), UM Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore, MD (about 15 miles away), and Tate Cancer Center at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, MD (about 15 miles away). Distances are straight-line, not driving distance.
Does insurance cover LDRT at this location?
Usually, yes. Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans cover LDRT for osteoarthritis, though coverage details vary by plan. The radiation oncology office listed above can verify your specific benefits before you schedule.
Do I need a referral?
It depends on your insurance plan. Many plans allow scheduling directly with a radiation oncology department once osteoarthritis is documented; others require a referral from your primary care doctor, orthopedist, or rheumatologist first. Call the office above to ask what they require.
Is the radiation dose safe?
A typical LDRT course uses a low total dose delivered over six treatments, substantially less than the dose used in cancer treatment. Long-term clinical experience hasn't identified a clear signal of increased radiation-related cancer risk after LDRT for osteoarthritis, though studies aren't large enough to rule out a very small risk entirely. The radiation oncologist above can walk through how the benefit and risk apply to your specific case.
What does a course of treatment look like?
A consultation, then a CT planning scan, then typically six treatment sessions given two to three times a week over two to three weeks. Each session takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, mostly positioning; there's no needle, sedation, or recovery time.
See the full LDRT FAQ for more on cost, safety, effectiveness, and what to expect.
Learn More
What Is LDRT?
How the treatment works, the typical schedule, and what the evidence shows.
Am I a Candidate?
What programs generally look for before recommending LDRT.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
What Medicare and most commercial plans typically cover.
LDRT for Knee Osteoarthritis
The joint with the most direct clinical trial evidence.
LDRT for Hip Osteoarthritis
How the evidence and dosing approach apply to the hip.
LDRT for Hand and Thumb Osteoarthritis
For finger and thumb-base joint pain.
What to Expect
What a typical LDRT appointment and course of treatment looks like.
LDRT Side Effects
What's known about safety and the most commonly reported side effects.
LDRT Success Rates
What the published response and pain-relief rates actually show.
Read the FAQ
Answers to the most common questions patients ask before their first appointment.