Accepting patients
Who is Dr. Pretorius, Thoracic Surgeon in La Jolla, CA?
Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius, MD is a Thoracic Surgeon, who primarily practices in La Jolla, CA with 1 additional practice location. Dr. Pretorius graduated from University of Pretoria School of Medicine. Dr. Pretorius is fluent in English and Afrikaans, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Pretorius’s practice accepts Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Pretorius’s office at (619) 543-6886.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Pretorius?
Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Thoracic Surgeon known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions and procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Pretorius empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Laser Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Pacemakers/Defibrillators, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the La Jolla, CA community, Dr. Pretorius is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Pretorius go to medical school and complete their residency?
Medical School: University of Pretoria School of Medicine | University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada | UC San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego | Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Associate Professor of Surgery
What languages does Dr. Pretorius speak?
Dr. Pretorius and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
Afrikaans
English
What conditions does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Pretorius typically treat?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Pretorius diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Pretorius. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Hardening of the Arteries in the Heart without Chest Pain
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Silent Coronary Artery Disease
- Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis
ICD-10 Codes:
- I2510: Atherosclerotic heart disease of native coronary artery without angina pectoris
Also known as:
- Heart Failure
- Systolic Heart Failure
- Congestive Heart Failure
- CHF
- Cardiac Insufficiency
- Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction
- HFrEF
- Pumping Heart Failure
ICD-10 Codes:
- I509: Heart failure, unspecified
- I5020: Unspecified systolic (congestive) heart failure
Also known as:
- Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension from Blood Clots
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- CTEPH
- Persistent high blood pressure in lung arteries from clots
- Long-term lung hypertension from emboli
ICD-10 Codes:
- I2724: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Also known as:
- Cardiogenic Shock
- Shock
- Heart-related shock
- Cardiac shock
- Circulatory collapse from heart
ICD-10 Codes:
- R570: Cardiogenic shock
Also known as:
- Leaky Mitral Valve
- Heart Valve Disease
- Mitral Valve Insufficiency
- Mitral Regurgitation
ICD-10 Codes:
- I340: Nonrheumatic mitral (valve) insufficiency
Also known as:
- Other Cardiomyopathies
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiomyopathy
- Uncommon heart muscle diseases
- Rare cardiomyopathy types
- Heart Muscle Disease from Blocked Arteries
- Ischemic Heart Muscle Weakness
ICD-10 Codes:
- I428: Other cardiomyopathies
- I255: Ischemic cardiomyopathy
What procedures does a Thoracic Surgeon like Dr. Pretorius typically perform?
As a Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Pretorius performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Pretorius. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology.
Also known as:
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- Heart bypass surgery
- CABG surgery
- Arterial bypass graft
CPT Codes:
- 33533: Coronary artery bypass, using arterial graft(s); single arterial graft
Also known as:
- Endoscopic Vein Harvest for Bypass
- Endoscopy
- Video-Assisted Vein Harvest
- Minimally Invasive Vein Removal
- Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvest
- Vein Harvesting for CABG
CPT Codes:
- 33508: Endoscopy, surgical, including video-assisted harvest of vein(s) for coronary artery bypass procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Heart Transplant
- Heart Transplantation
- Cardiac Transplant
- New Heart Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 33945: Heart transplant, with or without recipient cardiectomy
Also known as:
- Defibrillator Generator Removal
- ICD Pulse Generator Removal
- Implantable Defibrillator Explant
- Defibrillator Battery Removal
- Heart Defibrillator Device Removal
CPT Codes:
- 33241: Removal of implantable defibrillator pulse generator only
Also known as:
- Triple Bypass Surgery (Additional Grafts)
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
- CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Coronary Revascularization
CPT Codes:
- 33519: Coronary artery bypass, using venous graft(s) and arterial graft(s); 3 venous grafts (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Atrial Septal Defect Repair
- ASD Repair
- Secundum ASD Closure
- Open Heart Surgery for ASD
- Heart Defect Patch Repair
CPT Codes:
- 33641: Repair atrial septal defect, secundum, with cardiopulmonary bypass, with or without patch
Does Dr. Pretorius accept my insurance?
Dr. Pretorius accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (619) 543-6886 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Pretorius accept in La Jolla, CA?
Dr. Pretorius in La Jolla, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
Centene Corporation
Heritage Health
Humana
Inland Empire Health Plan
Kaiser Permanente
Medicare
Oscar Health
State of California
UnitedHealth Group
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Pretorius' office located?
Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius' Primary Practice
9300 Campus Point Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 543-6886
What is Dr. Pretorius's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Pretorius's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1629385836.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Pretorius?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Pretorius
What is Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius's specialty?
Dr. Pretorius is a Thoracic Surgeon near La Jolla, CA.
What does a Thoracic Surgeon do?
A thoracic surgeon is a healthcare expert with specialization in the surgical, perioperative, and critical care of patients with conditions affecting the chest. Their expertise encompasses the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease, lung, esophageal, and chest wall cancers, tracheal abnormalities, and issues with the great vessels and heart valves. They also address congenital anomalies, mediastinal tumors, and diaphragm diseases. Additionally, thoracic surgeons manage airway issues and chest injuries as part of their medical specialty.
Is this Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
No, Pretorius is not affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital, but is affiliated with the following hospitals: UC San Diego Medical Center, Rady Children's Hospital - San Diego. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see a Thoracic Surgeon?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Thoracic Surgeon. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Gert Diederick Pretorius accepting new patients in La Jolla, CA?
Yes, Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Gert Diederick Pretorius offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Pretorius's office at (619) 543-6886 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Gert Diederick Pretorius?
Please contact Dr. Pretorius's office at (619) 543-6886 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
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