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Rastko Rakočević

Rastko Rakočević, MD, MSc

Interventional Pulmonologist

Patient Reviews

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Lung nodules
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural effusion

My Specialties

  • Robotic bronchoscopy
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Rigid bronchoscopy
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Dr. Rakočević's Office Information
Languages: English
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Get to Know Me

I am an interventional pulmonologist specializing in minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for lung nodules, lung cancer, airway and pleural diseases.

I perform a full spectrum of procedures with the goal of providing precise, minimally invasive diagnostics and effective symptom relief, prioritizing patient safety and recovery. My expertise includes robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), rigid bronchoscopy, critical airway management, medical thoracoscopy (pleuroscopy), pleural catheter placement, and pleurodesis. I see patients at Memorial Hospital and the David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

When patients come to see me, they are often dealing with the uncertainty of a lung nodule, a possible cancer diagnosis, or persistent breathing difficulties. I understand that these concerns can be overwhelming, and I believe that clear communication and a patient-centered approach are essential in providing the best care.

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My goal is to provide clear, evidence-based guidance, ensuring that my patients fully understand their condition and available treatment options, and feel empowered to make decisions about their health. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with a multidisciplinary approach, I strive to offer the most effective and least invasive solutions to improve outcomes and recovery.

Whether performing a complex procedure or discussing treatment options, my focus is always on delivering the most advanced care with compassion and transparency. Beyond my clinical work, my research focuses on improving lung cancer diagnostics and pleural disease management. I have been actively involved in studying the role of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in lung nodule biopsy, enhancing the effectiveness of next-generation sequencing in non-small cell lung cancer, and management of pleural disease.

My work has been published in leading medical journals and has contributed to advancements in interventional pulmonology and thoracic oncology. I am also dedicated to medical education, teaching the next generation of physicians, and collaborating on national courses to improve procedural training.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and two children, whether traveling together or simply appreciating the moments that bring balance to life. I have a deep appreciation for art and I find inspiration in creative expression. I also enjoy hiking and exploring nature, as well as biking, which provides both an active challenge and a way to clear my mind. These interests keep me grounded and bring a sense of perspective to my work in medicine.

What I Do at MSK

An interventional pulmonologist (IN-ter-VEN-shun-al pull-muh-NAHL-uh-jist) is a doctor with special training in treating lung problems, such as blocked airways, cancer, and tumors.

  • Assistant Attending Physician, Director of Pleural Diseases
Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Lung nodules
  • Lung cancer
  • Pleural effusion
  • Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP)
  • Tracheal and bronchial cancers and conditions
  • Benign tracheal and bronchial tumors

My Specialties

  • Robotic bronchoscopy
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
  • Rigid bronchoscopy
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Lung biopsy
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Catheter placement
  • Percutaneous tracheostomy
  • Complex airway management
  • Airway stents and dilation
  • Endobronchial valves
  • Laser bronchoscopy
  • Ablation
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, MSc, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Medicine

Residencies

  • Internal Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
  • Chief Medical Resident, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Fellowships

  • Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Southern California
  • Chief Fellow, Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Southern California
  • Interventional Pulmonology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Awards and Honors

  • Top Rapid-Fire Case Report Award, CHEST conference (2023)
  • Om P. Sharma Clinical Excellence Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication to Research, University of Southern California (2023)
  • Most Humanistic Resident, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (2019)
  • Excellence in Clinical Skills, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (2018, 2019)

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA and NYC retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Anthem BCBS and other BCBS licensee plans

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

See updates

Anthem BCBS Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

See updates

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Choice PPO Network and VIP Prime Network Only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Metroplus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

City Employee Health Plans (Gold and Gold Care)

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

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Contact and Location

Dr. Rakočević sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue New York NY 10065
Get Directions
David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
530 East 74th Street New York NY 10021
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Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

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Clinical Trials

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Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

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Research and Publications

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Rakočević’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

See all on PubMed