
Sandesh Srinivas Rao, MD
Orthopedic SurgeryHip and Knee Orthopedic Surgery
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Sandesh Srinivas Rao
Primary Academic Title
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Johns Hopkins Physician
Background
Sandesh Rao, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee care, with advanced expertise in joint reconstruction and replacement. He offers a full spectrum of treatments, from nonoperative management to minimally invasive hip and knee replacements, partial knee replacement, outpatient joint replacement, and robotic-assisted procedures. Dr. Rao also has specialized training in complex and revision joint replacements including management of periprosthetic fractures and prosthetic joint infections. He utilizes multiple approaches to hip replacement surgery —including direct anterior, anterolateral, direct lateral, and posterolateral. The ultimate goal is to collaborate with patients to deliver care that is personalized, holistic and patient-centered.
A native of the D.C. area, Dr. Rao earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Osler Medical Residency Program, before pursuing orthopaedic surgery. He went on to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and fellowship training in adult reconstruction at Rush University in Chicago.
Dr. Rao is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Maryland Orthopaedic Association, and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. He has authored over 50 publications and presented his research at national meetings. His research interests include identifying strategies to best optimize patients for hip and knee replacement surgery while striving to identify strategies to minimize risk in the process.
Outside of work, Dr. Rao enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis and basketball.
Research Interests
- Outcomes after hip and knee replacement surgery
- Management of complex hip and knee ailments
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center — Bethesda
- 6420 Rockledge Drive, Suite 2200, Bethesda, MD 20817
- Get Directions
- phone: 301-530-3220
- fax: 410-367-2237
- Sibley Memorial Hospital
- 5215 Loughboro Road Northwest, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20016
- Get Directions
- phone: 240-762-5100
- fax: 410-367-2237
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Rush University Medical Center, Adult Reconstruction, 2022
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2021
- Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Internal Medicine, 2016
- Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, M.D Program, MD, 2013
Board Certifications
- Orthopaedic Surgery: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2024
Insurance
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
304 ratings, 140 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
Very knowledgeable & care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/19/2026
The physician I saw had very good bed side manners and treated me with respect
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
Very thorough and attentive to me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Good listener & thorough!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Dr Rao is consistently excellent, friendly and very professional. He is a great, trusted surgeon and does a lot of the follow up work himself.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Dr. Rao is a superb orthopedic surgeon. He patiently listened to my concerns; examination given and calmed me down about my hip replacement surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Outstanding and compassionate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Doctor Rao is the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
On time and excellent discussion about the state of the Bursitis. Discussion of refill of medication needed and when a revisit might be necessary. Very knowledgeable on the way forward. Provided evaluation from the PT trainer and the scoring achieved with respect to scores achieved (successful).
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr Rao is amazingly attentive, expert and compassionate. Models bedside medicine.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Excellent bed side manners
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Understands the problem nicely and treats accordingly.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Knowledgeable, good listener, informative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Dr Rao is the most attentive and communicative orthopedic doctor that I have ever encountered .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Dr. Rao is great!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/4/2026
Seemless regarding finding my records. Explained things well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/3/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/27/2026
Professional focused
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/26/2026
All good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Extremely knowledgeable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/25/2026
Pleasant, professional, knowledgeable, communication skills top notch, listening skills FANTASTIC most important Treated like a person and not just as a pay check (unusual these days ~ thanks)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Excellent surgeon and kind, knowledgeable doctor overall.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Explained the clinical diagnosis well and proposed a plan of action.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
He was excellent, very personable and made me feel like he really cared for my health
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/24/2026
Dr. Rao listened to my concerns and descriptions of my issues, engaged in meaningful conversation, and provided not only helpful, detailed recommendations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Rao was wonderful. He engaged with my issue and concerns immediately and it was a very helpful consultation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Rao was very patient and explained everything very well and had great empathy about my condition
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Timely, gave enough time to fully listen to my complaints.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Dr. Sandesh Rao was knowledgeable, truly listened to my concerns, and showed genuine care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
Very professional, knowledgeable and empathetic. I enjoyed meeting him and felt confident that I was getting the right diagnosis.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
He was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2026
Very good visit, l appreciate the service l received. Thank you
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Superb
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
I was given an immediate referral to another provider in the Hopkins network who saw me the next day and worked with me to find an alternative solution to my problem. That provider was extremely knowledgeable and helpful as well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Dr. Rao was courteous, thoughtful, and respectful. He was very knowledgeable and listened to my concerns and questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
Dr. Rao is excellent physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Dr Rao has completed two hip replacements on me, successfully before he joined John Hopkins, so I have got to know him well. Very caring and considerate doctor with dependable follow up.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2026
Always treated well at my visits
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Dr Rao is a talented surgeon. He is very responsive if I call with a question and I have had many especially following my surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
Dr. Rao is an exceptional orthopedic doctor. He is patient, explains thoroughly, the cause of the problem and how this can be remedied with surgery. He presents all possible complications with the surgery. And he answers questions ask with examples. He shows empathy and concern with the medical problems that you are experiencing and wants to help.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/4/2026
Dr rao is an excellent doctor he truely cares
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Thoroughly professional, patiently answered all of my prepared questions, excellent advise, and a good outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
I have struggled to find care for my osteoarthritis- Dr. Rao exceeded expectations, listened, provided many options for symptom management. I am so glad I went to him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr Rao is a great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Dr. Rao has been very professional and responsive in treating my pelvic injury.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/2/2026
Smart. Careful of patients' concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2026
Very professional and knowledgeable doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
The provider was very thorough and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Great doctor. Up to date with the latest procedures. I specifically chose him because he just came out of the Hopkins pipeline for Ortho surgeons vice someone who came from other hospitals
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/20/2026
Excellent Doctoee
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2026
Dr. Rao seemed very knowledgable and familiar with the type of pain I was experiencing. Very comfortable to talk with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2026
The provider was very good..
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr. Rao was extremely attentive and informative. He didn't rush the appointment and was very intent on answering all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Excellent bedside manner, attentive listener, very knowledgeable, and provided valuable guidance. Great communication and personality.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Explain things very well
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
I did not feel rushed. The Dr. Took the time to answer my questions and explain things. He appeared to be genuinely interested in me needs/desires and future goals
- 3 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
My proivider is a good doctor this visit I was a bit fast.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
I WAS VERY SATISIFIED WITH THE VISIT AND THE DOCTOR GAVE ME THE INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONTINUE MY TREATMENT .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2026
Great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2026
He is a thorough communicator and takes time to understand and address my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2026
Very thoughtful and thorough
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2026
Answer all questions, provided suggestions to assist in recovery, helped in my understanding of my recovery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2026
Dr. RAO is very reassuring, clear and positive about treatment which in turn makes me feel more determined to recover in the best possible way.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/30/2025
Hip replacement surgery performed was outstanding. I experienced NO pain, even the day of surgery, and was walking almost normally within a month. I would recommend Dr Rao to anyone needing hip replacement surgery.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr. Rao is just excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Attentive, thorough, and excellent bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/23/2025
Dr. Rao is knowledgeable and explained his conclusions clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
First visit w provider. All good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Very knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
I am very happy with Dr. Rao
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
Doctor Rao is the best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
Excellent, professional, personable, attentive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2025
I chose Dr Rao over several others. I have confidence in his knowledge & ability
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Outstanding. Surgery performed was very successful and resulted in minimal aftereffects and o significant pain
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Very satisfide
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
He is knowledgeable and patient-oriented.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
X-rays were taken, examined by Dr Rao afterwards he thoroughly explained my condition. Provided what I should and no follow up would be necessary!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2025
Dr. Rao is excellent Dr. Listen to your problems with smile have lots of patience make right decisions for your problem. He's done my right knee replacement & I am so pleased his work & his care. I recommend him to my friends and family
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Dr. RAO is one of the best physicians I have ever met with.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Courteous, explanatory compassionate,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2025
Very good at explaining things so i understand
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/21/2025
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Excellent manner. Respect and wsrm
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
First visit post surgery, went extremely well. Dr Rao was professional, personable, thorough. An excellent visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
The Provider was really nice. Thank You
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/20/2025
Doctor Rao is great doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
By very good
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Prompt. Maintained eye contact thruout the visit.. Wants to start treatment slow (but I'm really anxious as I've already followed thru on his suggested treatment regime before I came to him as a patient).
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/19/2025
Helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
He is an excellent doctor, careful, caring, patient and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
Excellent treatment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Excellent service explain everything that I needed to do step-by-step. Asked if I had any question and answered it. Thank you, doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
I have been very pleased with Dr. Rao over they year that I have known him. He repaired my knee cap. He listens to me, answers my questions, and gives me advice and direction as needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Dr Rao was terrific, first visit and was Impressed how he listened and answered My many questions, and gave advice on howTo proceed with my knee problem
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2025
I'm very pleased with the JHM system.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/12/2025
Very thorough and understanding of my issue
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2025
Very easy to communicate with. Answered all my questions. Very pleasant visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2025
Thoughtful and articulate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2025
Dr Rao was great. Listened to my concerns and questions and responded completely and thoughtfully. I feel like I have an actual relationship with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Dr. Rao has replaced both of my hips and is an outstanding surgeon. He listens, is technically very competent, and explains the issues in English. Very nice to work with. I've recommended 2 other clients to him who had Dr. Rao replace their hips as well. They are very pleased too.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/29/2025
Dr Rao is excellent,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Dr was exceptionally capable. Very smart and terrific bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Liked Dr Rao. A surgeon who advised it was too soon to operate- hip replacement.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2025
Dr Rao always been professional and pleasant , I had prior contact with him when he was with WOSM.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Very detailed in his explanation of my conditions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
The provider was excellen
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/21/2025
Knowledgeable, attentive, explained things well and personable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2025
This was my first visit and I will definately go back
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2025
I have chosen him to perform my surgeries.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/15/2025
Dr rao is very good but office seems somewhat disorganized
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr. Rao did a great job on my surgery. He also listens and communicates very, very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Very attentive and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Based on this visit I found him to be professional, direct and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Excellent competent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2025
Very efficient, humanitarian, and very professional,
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/9/2025
Dr. Rao has always treated me respectfully. He is professional, knowledgeable, honest. A good listener and technician . I feel lucky to be in his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/8/2025
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
Excellent doctor; had to wait because of some confusion about the room I was put inside.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
Great
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2025
Dr Rao is thorough in explaining everything and listens to what I have to say. He is also encouraging.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2025
OverallMy visit went very well!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2025
Very easy to speak with and answered all of my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
Knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr. Rao is very professional and compassionate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
I just followed my provider from another practice because I have faith in him &Hsve complicated health issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Dr. Rao is kind, knowledgeable, respectful and I was very pleased with my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/24/2025
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Very knowledgeable very thorough very professional compassionate
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Dr. Rao is easy to talk with. He listens and provides valuable information that helps me make decisions. He never pressures me about my situation; it is left to me to make the best decisions for myself.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Provider was excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
Dr. Rao is great surgeon
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2025
No follow up was suggested