Ricardo Andres Nieves, MD| Cardiology | MedStar Health
About me
Ricardo Nieves, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a general cardiologist, he treats patients with a wide range of cardiovascular disorders, utilizing traditional and advanced cardiology methods like stress testing, coronary CTA, and cardiac MRI. He is board-certified in internal medicine, echocardiography, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac MRI.
His treatment approach is patient-centered and holistic. Passionate about helping people improve their health while considering their lifestyle and the social determinants that influence their access to care, he works closely with his patients to develop a care plan that aligns with their personal goals and values. He promotes lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, to improve cardiovascular health.
Dr. Nieves specializes in utilizing cardiac MRI imaging technology to better diagnose, treat, and understand heart diseases such as infiltrative cardiomyopathies and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, among other processes. He is also excited about the future of 4D cardiac MRI imaging, a technology that allows cardiologists to evaluate blood flow in the heart in real-time while simultaneously evaluating the structure of the heart.
Dr. Nieves completed his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency, internship, and two fellowship programs at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
In his career, Dr. Nieves has received several awards and honors, including the Galal M. Ziady Memorial Award for his commitment to the underserved and the UPMC Excellence in Research Award. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Alpha Omega Alpha.
Dr. Nieves speaks fluent Spanish. When he is not working with patients, he likes to play guitar, row, exercise, and spend time with his family.
Philosophy of Care
“My philosophy of care is simple: the patient comes first. It is important to me to focus on someone’s goals and fully understand where they are coming from. I believe that knowledge is power and that the more you know, the better equipped you are to take care of yourself and your health. When I sit and talk with patients, I am seeking to understand where they are coming from and how I can meet them there with information regarding their health.
Clinical areas of focus
- Angiogram
- Angioplasty
- Atrial Flutter
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Catheterization Interpretation
- Cardiac Sudden Death
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chest Pain
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram
- Heart Disease
- Heart Murmur
- High Cholesterol Management
- Holter Monitoring
- Hypertension
- Hypertension Treatment
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Lymphedema
- Stress Echocardiography
Conditions and procedures
Conditions I treat
- Abnormal Body Structure Imaging
- Abnormal Breathing
- Abnormal Electrocardiogram
- Abnormal Function Study Results
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Acute Bacterial Endocarditis
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Acute Endocarditis
- Acute Ischemic Heart Diseases
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Advanced Heart Failure
- Advanced Heart Failure (ADHF)
- Advanced Heart Failure (AHF)
- Advanced Heart Failure Care
- Amyloidosis
- Angina
- Angina Pectoris
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Regurgitation
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation
- Artery Disorders
- Atherosclerosis
- Atherosclerosis Of Aorta
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Atrioventricular Block
- Benign Neoplasm Of Intrathoracic Organs
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Bradycardia
- Bundle Branch Block
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cardiac Conduction Disorders
- Cardiac Murmurs
- Cardiac Sudden Death
- Cardiomyopathy
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
- Cellulitis
- Chest Pain
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
- Circulatory System Complications
- Circulatory System Disorders
- Clotting Disorders
- Complications Of Cardiac And Vascular Prosthetic Devices
- Complications Of The Puerperium
- Complications Of Transplanted Organs And Tissue
- Congenital Heart Valve Defects
- Congenital Malformation Syndromes Affecting Multiple Systems
- Congenital Malformations Of Great Arteries
- Congenital Malformations Of Great Veins
- Congenital Malformations Of Heart
- Congenital Malformations Of Pulmonary And Tricuspid Valves
- Congenital Malformations Of Trachea And Bronchus
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Disorders Of Lipoprotein Metabolism And Lipidemias
- Dyspnea On Exertion
- Eisenmenger Syndrome
- Electrical Conduction Disorders
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia
- Heart Block
- Heart Disease
- Heart Disease In Women
- Heart Murmur
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol Management
- Hypertension
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Hypotension
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Intracranial Aneurysm
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Kawasaki Disease
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
- Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
- Liver Injury
- Long Term Drug Therapy
- Lymphangitis
- Lymphedema
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myocardial Infarction
- Myocarditis
- Nervous And Musculoskeletal Symptoms
- Nonrheumatic Mitral Valve Disease
- Obesity
- Pain In Throat And Chest
- Palpitations
- Paroxysmal Ventricular Tachycardia
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Patent Foramen Ovale
- Pericardium Diseases
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Peripheral Vascular Diseases
- Precerebral Artery Occlusion
- Premature Atrial Contraction
- Premature Atrial Contractions
- Premature Atrial Contractions (PACS)
- Premature Ventricular Contractions
- Presence Of Cardiac And Vascular Implants
- Problems Related To Lifestyle
- Pulmonary Edema
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Heart Disease
- Pulmonary Valve Disorders
- Renal Artery Thrombosis
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Rheumatic Heart Diseases
- Rheumatic Tricuspid Valve Disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Secondary Hypertension
- Shock
- Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Single Ventricle Heart Defects
- Sleep Disorders
- Subcortical Infarction
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Swelling In Legs
- Syncope
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Tachycardia
- Thoracic Aortic Dissection
- Thyrotoxic Crisis
- Transient Cerebral Ischemic Attacks
- Transplanted Organ And Tissue Status
- Tricuspid Stenosis
- Valve Disease With Congestive Heart Failure
- Vasculitis
- Venous Embolism
- Venous Thromboembolism
- Ventricular Aneurysm
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Ventricular Tachycardia
Procedures I perform
- Ablation Therapy
- Angiogram
- Angioplasty
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
- Atrial Septal Defect Repair
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Catheterization Interpretation
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Cardiac Output Assistance
- Cardiac Ultrasound
- Cardiovascular Stress Testing
- Cardioversion
- Carotid Artery Aneurysm Repair
- Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
- Coronary Artery Disease Treatment
- Duplex Scan Of Extremity Veins
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram
- Electrophysiology Study
- External Electrocardiographic Recording
- Heart Failure Treatment
- Heart Pacemaker Implantation
- Heart Transplant
- Heart Ultrasonography
- High Cholesterol Management
- Holter Monitoring
- Hypertension Treatment
- Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation
- Intravascular Ultrasound
- Kinesiology Analysis
- Leadless Pacemaker Insertion
- Lymphedema
- Mesenteric Angiography
- MRA With Contrast
- Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
- Nuclear Stress Test
- Palpitation Treatment
- Peripheral Venous Access
- Permanent Pacemaker Insertion
- Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Treatment
- Prostate Injury Treatment
- Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Repair
- Stress Echocardiography
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation
- Syncope Treatment
- Transesophageal Echocardiography
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram With Strain Imaging
- Transthoracic Echocardiography
- Vasopressor Administration
- Ventricular Restoration
- Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
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
- Cigna True Choice Plus Medicare (PPO)
- CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO)
- IH-Open POS Plus
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO
- Optima Family Care MCO - VA Medicaid MCO
- IH-HMO
- Beech Street PPO
- Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
- IH-Open POS II
- CareFirst NASCO
- Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Select - Added Choice
- CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO
- Aetna Advantage 6350PD
- IH-EPO Plus
- United Healthcare Select Plus (POS)
- Sentara Health
- Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
- CIGNA PPO
- Erickson Advantage Plans
- IH-PPO
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Adv. Special Needs Plans
- Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice
- IH-POS Plus
- TRICARE East Prime
- Choice POS II
- DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans
- Options PPO Cardiac Global
- Magellan Complete Care of VA - VA Medicaid MCO
- Aetna Classic 5000PD
- United Healthcare Choice
- Humana Gold Plus HMO
- Aetna HMO
- Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
- Aetna Advantage 6350
- CareFirst Administrators
- Employee Health Plan
- CareFirst Community Health Plan of MD
- Choice Care Network/HUMANA (PPO)
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthy Families
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Signature and Select
- CareFirst BlueChoice HMO
- CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage - PPO
- United Healthcare Choice Plus
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Basic
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Standard
- UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
- United Student Resources
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
- Cigna TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- Private Health Care Systems (PPO)
- Kaiser Maryland Medicaid MCO
- CareFirst Blue Card Program
- Medicare FFS
- Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA
- Core Essential (HMO)
- United HealthCare Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program
- Aetna Basic
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice POS Cardiac Global
- Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
- AMERIVANTAGE/Amerigroup Community Care
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers Plus
- Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Dual Adv
- Medicare Advantage - Advantra Value (PPO)
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- CIGNA Connect EPO
- CIGNA Indemnity
- HighMark
- Blue Choice Advantage
- Aetna Classic 5000
- Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
- CareFirst EPO
- Medicare Direct
- Advantra Platinum (PPO)
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO) Cardiac Global
- Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice 3-tier POS
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- First Health PPO
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs
- Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account
- Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
- Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
- United Healthcare Navigate Cardiac Global
- HumanaChoice PPO
- HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO
- TRICARE for Life East
- Kaiser Permanente HMO Plus and DHMO Plus Member
- Tricare Reserve Select
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
- Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
- Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global
- United Healthcare Choice Cardiac Global
- United Healthcare Choice Plus Cardiac Global
- CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan
- United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
- Aetna VA Exchange
- IH-Open EPO Plus
- United Healthcare Options (PPO)
- Choice POS
- Amerigroup DC Alliance
- Cigna True Choice Medicare (PPO)
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (HMO)
- Fee-for-Service (FFS) District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Medicaid
- UHC Group Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO, POS, PPO)
- Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO)
- OCI Direct (HMO)
- WellPoint Maryland - Maryland Health Choice
- CIGNA EPO
- IH-Network Only Plus
- First Health PPO
- Cigna Achieve Medicare (HMO C-SNP)
- CareFirst FEP Blue Focus
- Navigate
- Kaiser Permanente Signature
- IH-Open HMO Option
- CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity
- Coventry Health Care of Virginia
- Maryland Physicians Care MCO
- M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage)
- POS OA
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
- CIGNA HMO Open Access
- CIGNA POS/Network POS
- Aetna Premier 200PD
- BlueChoice Open Access
- Aetna Worker's Compensation Network
- United Healthcare Community Plan - VA Medicaid MCO
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefit (PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Select Cardiac Global
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
- NYC Medicare Advantage Plus
- Kaiser Permanente Select
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (POS & POS OA)
- UHC Passport
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PFFS Plan
- Aetna Advantage 5750
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus
- CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP
- Kaiser Permanente Signature - Added Choice
- United Healthcare Select HMO-EPO/NPP Cardiac Global
- Humana Medicare Advantage - HMO Open Access
- Choice POS II Open Access
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue SNP
- OA Plus
- Amerigroup DC Healthy Families
- IH-POS
- Network OA
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO
- United Healthcare Select HMO - EPO/NPP
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Plus
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance
- Aetna Better Health of MD
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthcare Alliance
- Choice Fund PPO
- Police and Fire Clinic
- CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO
- BCBS of Michigan (BCN Advantage,Security Blue, Freedom, Medicare PLUS Blue Group PPO)
- HealthyBlue PPO
- HUMANA/Choice Care Medicare Plans (Choice, Gold Choice)
- Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)
- Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice
- Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
- Aetna Classic 3500
- Kaiser Permaenete Signature - Added Choice Cardiac Global
- MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global
- CIGNA HMO & Network (HMO)
- Optimum Choice
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
- M.D. IPA (HMO)
- Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage
- Anthem BCBS of VA Key Care POS/PPO/Indemnity
- IH-Open HMO
- CIGNA PPO Plus
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Open Access
- CareFirst MedStar PPO
- Cigna Alliance Medicare (HMO)
- CIGNA SureFit (HMO)
- UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Complete Plans
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage DSNP District of Columbia
- IH-Open Network Only Plus
- MultiPlan, Inc
- TRICARE East Select
- Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
- IH-Indemnity
- Geisinger Medicare Advantage
Education
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2023)
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2022)
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2019)
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2016)