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Walter Joseph O'Donnell

Walter Joseph O'Donnell, MD

Pulmonary Critical Care

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Adults
  • Geriatrics

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Locations

  1. Massachusetts General Pulmonary Clinic
    • 55 Fruit Street, Cox Building, 2nd Floor, Suite 201, Boston, MA 02114
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Residency: Brigham & Women's Hospital, Medicine, 1998
  • Fellowship: Brigham & Women's Hospital, Pulmonary / Critical care, 1992
  • Medical Education: Weill Cornell Medical College, 1986

Board Certifications

  • Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1993
  • Internal Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 1992

Insurance

Search plans
  • Aetna
  • Beech Street
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield - Indemnity
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare
  • Cigna
  • Commonwealth Care Alliance
  • Coventry
  • Fallon Health
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Humana
  • Maine Community Health Options
  • Mass General Brigham Health Plan
  • MassHealth
  • Medicaid CT
  • Medicaid ME
  • Medicaid NH
  • Medicaid RI
  • Medicaid VT
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Senior Whole Health
  • TriCare
  • Tufts Health Plan
  • Tufts Medicare Preferred
  • United Health Care
  • Wellpoint
  • WellSense
  • WellSense NH

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

260 ratings, 129 reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Search reviews
  • Reviewed on 4/2/2026

    He is the best and the most compassionate physician

  • Reviewed on 4/2/2026

    Great

  • Reviewed on 4/2/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is a very caring man and I feel lucky to have him . And his associates are wonderful!

  • Reviewed on 3/29/2026

    He was very thorough, answered all my questions and offered helpful advice.

  • Reviewed on 3/28/2026

    One of the best Doctors I've ever had

  • Reviewed on 3/25/2026

    I only wish I asked more questions regarding this new tax procedure to try not sure which issue it is really addressing- cough sinuses or something else

  • Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is wonderful. He is calm, knowledgeable and reads all the information about me before I come in to be sure to ask all the right questions.

  • Reviewed on 3/22/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is caring and cares for his patients wellness.

  • Reviewed on 3/21/2026

    Doctor O'Donnell always takes his time to carefully take care of my care [redacted] very pleased with the care

  • Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    Yes, Dr. O'donnell is not only an outstanding physician, he's a very caring human being and that is reflected in his office staff as well, his nurse practitioner [redacted] and his administrative assistant [redacted]. It's a beautifully run practice by an outstanding doctor.

  • Reviewed on 3/14/2026

    Dr O'Donnell and [redacted] ALWAYS treat me well, take time with me , are extremely knowledgeable about my specific needs and make me feel confident about the treatment I am given.

  • Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    I was vet pleased with my provider nurses and staff.

  • Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is extremely competent. He's very patient and friendly, excuse me, and friendly and very professional. I feel very lucky that he is my pulmonary doctor.

  • Reviewed on 3/8/2026

    When you to to MGH we are treated very nice. Dr O'Donnell and his staff go above and beyond for me and my family. [redacted] Everyone at MGH are always nice and helpful to us.

  • Reviewed on 2/15/2026

    Nurse should be welcoming not business like!

  • Reviewed on 2/14/2026

    He is a pulmonary specialist. His office (Cox 2) is at the opposite end of the campus from the garage - a difficult walk for people with respiratory problems. Appreciate the availability of facilities at MGH North Shore, 2 miles from me, for scans & blood work. Besides his skill & thoroughness, Dr. O'Donnell is thoughtful.

  • Reviewed on 2/15/2026

    He is ideal.

  • Reviewed on 2/14/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is extremely courteous and informative. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a pulmonologist.

  • Reviewed on 2/9/2026

    very knowledgeable of my medical situation

  • Reviewed on 2/2/2026

    Dr O'Donnell is simply wonderful. He is a fabulous MD.

  • Reviewed on 2/1/2026

    Dr O'Donnell is exceptional. He was incredibly thorough and spent over an hour with me. He also explained the X-rays and scans clearly. I feel so fortunate to have Dr O'Donnell as my pulmonologist.

  • Reviewed on 1/21/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is a very caring, understanding physician. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He takes very good care of me along with his assistant, [redacted], and I love both of them, and they take excellent care of me. Thank you.

  • Reviewed on 1/18/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell and [redacted] are very good listeners and show a knowledge of both what I am dealing with and are compassionate people.

  • Reviewed on 1/18/2026

    Dr O'Donnell is superb. his office runs efficiently. He spent lots of time listening to me. everything ran on time

  • Reviewed on 1/17/2026

    Very professional

  • Reviewed on 1/11/2026

    He walks on water

  • Reviewed on 1/11/2026

    The reception area staff are extremely pleasant and helpful. They seem to actually LIKE their jobs, and LIKE being of help to patients. In particular, I observed the the very jovial, heavy-set , man with a wild halo of hair greet and attend to multiple patients while I was in the waiting room, always with the utmost courtesy, professionalism, and patience. He's a gem!

  • Reviewed on 1/11/2026

    Dr. O'Donnell is the kindest, most caring and understanding doctor that I have ever encountered. He is always patient, willing to listen to my concerns and answer any questions I may have. He is the absolute best.

  • Reviewed on 1/11/2026

    He is the 4th specialist in this field over 20+ years since Dx. And the only one that I would stay with. [redacted]

  • Reviewed on 1/10/2026

    Provider and staff were professional, And helpful, listened and suggested helpful suggestions.

  • Reviewed on 12/29/2025

    No one better or more thorough than Dr O'donnell

  • Reviewed on 12/28/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is one of the best physicians I have ever seen in my [redacted] years on this earth.

  • Reviewed on 12/26/2025

    Dr. ODonnell is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced physician. He is very kind and compassionate. The office staff is very pleasant and the office usually runs on time.

  • Reviewed on 12/24/2025

    I've been going to this office for 8 years and I've never had a bad experience.

  • Reviewed on 12/21/2025

    Great Doctor! Better man!

  • Reviewed on 12/20/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is an elite physician with deep knowledgeable and experience. His team, especially [redacted] and [redacted], are incredibly helpful, kind, and knowledgeable as well. They are the reason I come to MGH

  • Reviewed on 12/14/2025

    Dr O'Donnell always performs a comprehensive review at my office visits. His comments were very helpful in providing the preferred sequence for my drug regimen and adding additional medications.

  • Reviewed on 12/14/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is one of the reasons MGH is such a great hospital. He cares about you as a patient and is a top provider in the area of pulmonary disease. I feel so lucky to have him as a doctor.

  • Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    My history was reviewed with care to help determine next steps for treatment. I felt I was given plenty of time for questions and answers.

  • Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    I appreciate the care that I get from Dr. O'Donnell and his nurse practitioner [redacted]. They are a great team. I feel confident in their opinions.

  • Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    His thoroughness and intelligence, his quick grasp of what I said. He inspires confidence. I have already given the highest rating.

  • Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    The best

  • Reviewed on 12/7/2025

    Can't thank Dr O'Donnell enough for everything he has done for me ,he is the best thank you.

  • Reviewed on 12/7/2025

    He is a very caring and excellent doctor

  • Reviewed on 12/7/2025

    Love Dr O'Donnell, he's absolutely the best!!! Knowledgeable , kind, thoughtful, everything's doc should be!

  • Reviewed on 11/28/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell was very professional and caring, as well as his staff. They were just, they made us feel very comfortable. They explained everything. The whole, between the doctor and his staff, they were very, very good. They just made us very comfortable and made sure we understood everything.

  • Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Dr. Water O'Donnell is always professional, articulate , kind and exceptionally knowledgeable! His staff always there for the patient! He is a tremendous asset for MGH!

  • Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Dr O'Donell is an extraordinary doctor He listens , is clear in his instructions ,and advice. I feel he really knows me and has helped with my symptoms enormously . I couldn't recommend him more highly

  • Reviewed on 11/16/2025

    Always a wonderful experience

  • Reviewed on 11/16/2025

    Excellent

  • Reviewed on 11/15/2025

    This was first time I saw provider. He was very thorough and I left feeling I'm in good hands.

  • Reviewed on 11/15/2025

    Dr. o'Donnell was caring and knowledgeable. He replaced my doctor who suddenly eft without skipping a beat.

  • Reviewed on 11/15/2025

    excellent

  • Reviewed on 11/11/2025

    He is the best and I feel fortunate to have him for my doctor.

  • Reviewed on 11/10/2025

    Excellent

  • Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell always comes through for me. He is a true caring & knowledgeable professional. Also he is a truly kind & empathetic practitioner.

  • Reviewed on 11/9/2025

    Dr Walter O'Donnell, is very professional, caring physician.

  • Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is one of the best physicians I have met. He individualizes care and allows me to have a say in planning care. His office staff is also wonderful.

  • Reviewed on 11/8/2025

    Dr O'Donnell cured me of chronic asthma about 20 years ago which only flared up again when my steroid inhaler went up 300% and I tried another that was useless. I called Dr O'Donnel earlier this year and he put me on to another inhaler that solved my problem

  • Reviewed on 11/7/2025

    Dr O'donnell's team is the best. Efficient, kind and very thorough.

  • Reviewed on 11/6/2025

    Yeah, the provider is a decent doctor, but his bedside manner or chairside manner is very prickly, meaning not pleasant. Thank you.

  • Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is the best!

  • Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    It is unthinkable that there ever has been, is currently, or ever will be a better physician at MGH than Dr. Walter O'Donnell.

  • Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Excellent

  • Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    He's very attentive to by illness.

  • Reviewed on 10/26/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is as good as it gets. He is extremely knowledgeable, pays close attention to my particular situation, and does it all with kindness and good humor. I could not ask for more.

  • Reviewed on 10/25/2025

    I am very fortunate to have very good healthcare from all providers. That said, this practice is outstanding. Alice & Dr. O'Donnell are the best. MGH is very lucky to have them not to mention as are all of their patients. I feel very grateful to be one.

  • Reviewed on 10/23/2025

    The doctor is thorough and reviewed all the recent information in the portal. He takes his time with patients and makes you feel very comfortable when reviewing test results.

  • Reviewed on 10/22/2025

    Dr Odonnell is great patient very professional

  • Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    This Pulmonary team work together to make sure I get the absolute best care. They are great and I feel have truly improved my quality of life.

  • Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    Superlative technical and service quality. Extremely confident in dr O'Donnell's expertise and recommendations

  • Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    Dr O'donnell listens very carefully, he is very thorough.

  • Reviewed on 10/20/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is outstanding.

  • Reviewed on 10/15/2025

    It was excellent. Very thorough and i finally have an answer to what has been bothering me.

  • Reviewed on 10/17/2025

    I thought Dr. O'Donnell was excellent. He seemed to show a lot of compassion and care. He was very, he spent a lot of time with me and we went over a lot of things and I was very impressed with Dr. O'Donnell.

  • Reviewed on 10/15/2025

    Dr.O'Donnell is a great provider. I started his care 10 years ago when I was 5% of life. After 5 surgeries in Virginia, when they tpld my family that was nothing else could be done for me. I came to MGH and saw Dr. O'Donnell. He told me and my daughter, that he could get me better, if I was able to come back. We have been flying to Boston (MGH) for 10 years [redacted]. I am now at 98% of life. [redacted] and [redacted], along with Dr. O'DONNELL are awesome health care providers. I tell the providers and people here in [redacted] Virginia that Mass General Hospital is the best. [redacted] I am now comming yearly, because I am so much BETTER. My pcp and I talk about how he is impress how MGH healthcare saved my life Thanks in advance [redacted]

  • Reviewed on 10/15/2025

    Dr O'donnell is always , thoughtful, informed , kind and collaborative when discussing treatment plans. I have benefited greatly from his knowledge.

  • Reviewed on 10/14/2025

    Dr O'donnell has always been fantastic Highly recommended

  • Reviewed on 10/14/2025

    Seemed to be a very caring and thorough physician

  • Reviewed on 10/11/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is wonderful in all ways!!! Clear with results, medications, path forward.

  • Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Dr.O'Donnell is the veryyyyy BEST of the best !!!!!

  • Reviewed on 10/5/2025

    Only excellence

  • Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Yes, I'm a patient of Dr. O'Donnell and he has been nothing but professional and kind and caring, listening to all my woes. And I would recommend him to anybody that needs pulmonology issues. Thank you, bye.

  • Reviewed on 10/5/2025

    He is the best

  • Reviewed on 9/22/2025

    Great visit

  • Reviewed on 9/21/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is by far one of the best physicians I have ever met and treated with. I am completely confident in his care and very pleased with the whole department.

  • Reviewed on 9/20/2025

    [redacted] I am very pleased to Be seeing Dr O'Donnell all these many years [redacted]

  • Reviewed on 9/20/2025

    He has always had improving my medical health as his top priority. His medical plans for me have now shown unbelievable results in improving my quality of life. His professionalism and health plans have led to these remarkable results. I cannot thank him enough.

  • Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is unquestionably one of the finest physicians at MGH

  • Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    Everybody at Walter Odonnell office are fantastic they always take excellent care of me very pleased

  • Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    He's a fantastic doctor, always following through.

  • Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    I wish more physicians took the time with their patients and were advocates for better health for patients.

  • Reviewed on 9/6/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is the most expert in his field, and I'm most fortunate to have him in charge of my care. He's literally saved my life. So I'm most grateful for his continuing care, and he's always the best. Thank you.

  • Reviewed on 8/23/2025

    Professional operation. Well managed

  • Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is a great doctor. Since Partner's have reorganized in favor of profits over patient care, I can no longer phone him. MGH new policies are disgraceful.

  • Reviewed on 8/19/2025

    WISH ALL DOCS WERE AS SPECIAL AS O'D MD

  • Reviewed on 8/17/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is the BEST.

  • Reviewed on 8/8/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell was wonderful as usual, knows my chart, and I feel very comfortable with him. National General is extremely fortunate to have Dr. O'Donnell.

  • Reviewed on 8/6/2025

    They don't come any better than Dr. O'Donnell. Very down to earth, caring, and very knowledgeable in his field. I'm so happy to have him as part of my ongoing team at MGH -- and I rave to my friends about the excellent care I get from my team.

  • Reviewed on 8/4/2025

    Always a pleasure to see Dr O'Donnell

  • Reviewed on 8/1/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is thorough, professional, has excellent bedside manner, and is very, very kind. My only issue is not with him, but the person who took my blood pressure. She never raises my arm to heart level. It's always wherever I put it, on my thigh and I keep telling her that it should be at heart level at minimum. This I've told her over the years, but she continues to do that and therefore it can give very misleading blood pressure levels.

  • Reviewed on 8/1/2025

    I feel grateful to have a very capable and empathetic and experienced pulmonologist. Thank you.

  • Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Always a pleasure to see Dr. O'Donnell

  • Reviewed on 7/27/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is the best. I wouldn't be doing as well as I am without him.

  • Reviewed on 7/27/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is the best doctor I could hope to have . Exceptional ! On top of a great down to earth person !!

  • Reviewed on 7/27/2025

    Fabulous

  • Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is the epitome of an excellent clinical provider. He combines the art and science of medicine gracefully and provides reassuring care.

  • Reviewed on 7/23/2025

    Great service.

  • Reviewed on 7/23/2025

    He seemed to be very busy but provided time efficiently

  • Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    My visit with the doc was almost an hour late. I understood why when I met with him. He is very thorough and does not rush.

  • Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is a very efficient professional provider. I am very fortunate to have him. And these repetitive questions are almost redundant due to the fact that he is such a phenomenal physician.

  • Reviewed on 7/11/2025

    My experience is always great. Dr. O'Donnell is a really great doctor. I trust him completely with my care.

  • Reviewed on 7/4/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is a magnificent physician. I have chronic lung disease and I feel blessed to have him as my pulmonologist. He also cares for my brother who has ANCA vasculitis and I believe Dr. O'Donnell has saved his life.

  • Reviewed on 7/2/2025

    I had a great experience with my caregiver and with the nurse as well. They really knew their business and were amazing with their questions. If I had a complaint, which is not a complaint really, it took a long, long time to set up this appointment. I'm sure that's because the doctor is in great demand. But I am really thrilled to be working with the doctor and his nurses. That's it.

  • Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Very kind caring and listened

  • Reviewed on 6/22/2025

    Dr. O'donnell has been caring for my pulmonary issues for many years. I trust him implicitly and depend on him to monitor my pulmonary health.

  • Reviewed on 6/22/2025

    Totally professional, human and wonderful experience. Well organized. The best!

  • Reviewed on 6/22/2025

    Excellent, he was so caring, thorough, so knowledgeable and made me feel confident he would address my issue. I feel very lucky to have Dr. O'Donnell see me.

  • Reviewed on 6/21/2025

    Hip Hip Hooray for Dr Walter ODonnell and Staff.

  • Reviewed on 6/22/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is an excellent doctor and since I began seeing him my health has stabilized and improved.

  • Reviewed on 6/21/2025

    They are the best group of professionals. I have been going for Dr O'Donnell for19 yrs have recommended several people to him! I don't think I would be alive if it wasn't for Dr O'Donnell he treats you like family.and so does his staff!

  • Reviewed on 6/18/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is an excellent clinician! He listens carefully, is very thorough, and provides excellent medical care. For over ten years, I have been a patient (both inpatient and outpatient) of Dr O'Donnell. I am extremely grateful for all of his medical support and for his thoughtful treatment plans. I continue to be grateful that he is my pulmonologist !

  • Reviewed on 6/18/2025

    Dr O'Donnell is very thorough and listens to what I have to say. He reviews all my medical tests ordered by other doctors such as blood work, meds, etc.

  • Reviewed on 6/17/2025

    all good Dr. O'donnell and staff provided the best care possible all with a smile,d.d.

  • Reviewed on 6/15/2025

    I love my doctor!

  • Reviewed on 6/16/2025

    Dr. O'Donnell is clearly an elite and knowledgeable physician. I'm grateful to be in his care.

  • Reviewed on 6/16/2025

    Yes, I've been seeing Dr. O'donnell now for quite some time, and he is extremely professional, and I really appreciate the knowledge that he brings to treating my case. Thank you.

  • Reviewed on 6/15/2025

    I have seen Walter for 10 years at this point. In spite of the fact that I only see him once a year he's very familiar with my health issues. and he always asks me about my wife who has attended a number of my visits.

  • Reviewed on 6/7/2025

    The appointment started slow as I am a new patient. Once we went over history, Dr. O'Donnell was amazing.... he went through my history, showed me images and explained everything thoroughly. I am looking forward to being in his care!