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Dr. Christopher Uchiyama, MD

Dr. Christopher Uchiyama, MD

La Jolla, CA

Accepting patients

Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital

    Who is Dr. Uchiyama, Neurosurgeon in La Jolla, CA?

    Dr. Christopher Uchiyama, MD is a Neurosurgeon, who primarily practices in La Jolla, CA with 1 additional practice location. He is board certified. Dr. Uchiyama graduated from Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and completed his residency at Univ Of Ut Med Ctr, Neurological Surgery Deaconess Hosp, General Surgery. Dr. Uchiyama is fluent in English, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Uchiyama’s practice accepts Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Uchiyama’s office at (858) 455-9100.

    What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Uchiyama?

    Dr. Christopher Uchiyama, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Neurosurgeon known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions or procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Uchiyama empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Brain & Spinal Tumors, Pituitary Tumors, Spinal Surgery-Cervical, Spinal Surgery-Complex, or comprehensive wellness support. Serving the La Jolla/CA community, Dr. Uchiyama is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.

    Where did Dr. Uchiyama go to medical school and complete their residency?

    • Fellowship: University of Utah Medical Center, Neurological Surgery

    • Residency: Univ Of Ut Med Ctr, Neurological Surgery Deaconess Hosp, General Surgery | University Of Utah Hospital | University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals | University of Utah Program

    • Medical School: University of Southern Ca Sch of Med, Los Angeles Ca | Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

    Is Dr. Uchiyama board certified as a Neurosurgeon?

    Yes, Dr. Christopher Uchiyama, MD is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery , American Board of Neurological Surgery since 2005

    What languages does Dr. Uchiyama speak?

    Dr. Uchiyama and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:

    • English

    What conditions does Dr. Uchiyama treat?

    As a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Uchiyama 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. Uchiyama. 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.

    Also known as:

    • Joint Fusion Status
    • Surgical Joint Fusion
    • Arthrodesis History
    • Fused Joint

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • Z981: Arthrodesis status

    Also known as:

    • Pinched Nerve in Lower Back
    • Back Pain
    • Peripheral Nerve Disorder
    • Lumbar Radiculopathy
    • Lower Back Nerve Compression
    • Compressed Nerve in Lower Back

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M5416: Radiculopathy, lumbar region

    Also known as:

    • Neck Spondylosis
    • Neck Injuries and Disorder
    • Cervical Spondylosis
    • Neck Arthritis
    • Degenerative Neck Disease

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M47812: Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, cervical region

    Also known as:

    • Pre-Procedure Heart Examination
    • Pre-Surgery Cardiac Checkup
    • Heart Health Assessment (Before Procedure)
    • Cardiovascular Clearance Exam

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • Z01810: Encounter for preprocedural cardiovascular examination

    Also known as:

    • Neck Pain
    • Neck Injuries and Disorder
    • Cervical Pain
    • Sore Neck
    • Neck Ache

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M542: Cervicalgia

    Also known as:

    • Other Orthopedic Aftercare
    • General orthopedic recovery
    • Musculoskeletal post-op care
    • Bone and joint follow-up

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • Z4789: Encounter for other orthopedic aftercare

    Also known as:

    • Lower Back Spinal Stenosis
    • Spinal Stenosis
    • Narrowing of Lower Back Spinal Canal
    • Lumbar Spinal Canal Narrowing
    • Lumbar Stenosis

    ICD-10 Codes:

    • M48061: Spinal stenosis, lumbar region without neurogenic claudication

    What procedures does Dr. Uchiyama perform?

    As a Neurosurgeon, Dr. Uchiyama 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. Uchiyama. 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.

    Also known as:

    • Lumbar Spine Decompression Surgery
    • Laminectomy
    • Facetectomy
    • Foraminotomy
    • Spinal Stenosis Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 63047: Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s], [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; lumbar

    Also known as:

    • Spinal Cord Stimulator Insertion
    • Spinal Neurostimulator Placement
    • SCS Implantation
    • Back Pain Stimulator Surgery

    CPT Codes:

    • 63685: Insertion or replacement of spinal neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver

    Also known as:

    • Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
    • Lumbar Laminotomy
    • Herniated Disc Decompression (Lower Back)
    • Microdiscectomy (Lumbar)

    CPT Codes:

    • 63030: Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, lumbar

    Also known as:

    • Laminectomy for Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation
    • Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement
    • Epidural Neurostimulator Surgery
    • Pain Stimulator Implantation

    CPT Codes:

    • 63655: Laminectomy for implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, plate/paddle, epidural

    Also known as:

    • Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant
    • Epidural neurostimulator placement
    • Percutaneous spinal stimulator
    • SCS implant

    CPT Codes:

    • 63650: Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array, epidural

    Also known as:

    • Neck Spinal Fusion (Cervical)
    • Spinal Cage Insertion for Fusion
    • Cervical interbody fusion
    • Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
    • Neck vertebrae fusion
    • Interbody Device Implantation
    • Spinal Fusion with Cage
    • Synthetic Disc Space Device

    CPT Codes:

    • 22551: Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2
    • 22853: Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Spinal Instrumentation (Anterior)
    • Anterior Spinal Fixation
    • Spine Stabilization Surgery
    • Vertebral Segment Instrumentation
    • Spinal Fusion Hardware

    CPT Codes:

    • 22845: Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Own Bone Graft for Spine Surgery
    • Autologous Spine Graft
    • Morselized Bone Graft
    • Spine Fusion Bone Graft
    • Bone Harvest for Spine

    CPT Codes:

    • 20937: Autograft for spine surgery only (includes harvesting the graft); morselized (through separate skin or fascial incision) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

    Also known as:

    • Pulse Oximetry
    • Oxygen Saturation Test
    • Oximeter Reading
    • Blood Oxygen Level Test

    CPT Codes:

    • 94760: Noninvasive ear or pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation; single determination

    Also known as:

    • Swallowing Function Test
    • Dysphagia Tests
    • Dysphagia Evaluation
    • Oral Swallowing Assessment
    • Pharyngeal Swallowing Test
    • Swallowing Study

    CPT Codes:

    • 92610: Evaluation of oral and pharyngeal swallowing function

    Does Dr. Uchiyama accept my insurance?

    Dr. Uchiyama accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (858) 455-9100 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.

    What insurance plans does Dr. Uchiyama accept in La Jolla, CA?

    Dr. Uchiyama 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

    • Blue Shield of California

    • Centene

    • Crown Cork and Seal Company

    • CVS Health (formerly Aetna)

    • Department of Defense / Tricare

    • HealthComp

    • Medicare

    • State of Tennessee

    • UnitedHealthcare

    View All Insurances

    Where is Dr. Uchiyama's office located?

    Dr. Christopher Uchiyama's Primary Practice

    10666 N Torrey Pines Rd

    La Jolla, CA 92037

    (858) 455-9100

    Get Directions

    Dr. Christopher Uchiyama's Practice 2

    15004 Innovation Dr

    San Diego, CA 92128

    Get Directions

    Recognitions

    Awards

    San Diego Super Doctors

    What is Dr. Uchiyama's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.

    Dr. Uchiyama's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1386695625.

    What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Uchiyama?

    Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Uchiyama

    What is Dr. Christopher Uchiyama's specialty?

    Dr. Uchiyama is a Neurosurgeon near La Jolla, CA. A neurological surgeon is responsible to provide the operative and non-operative management which includes prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care, & rehabilitation of various disorders related to the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. This includes their supporting structures and vascular supply, the complete evaluation and treatment of pathological process which is known to modify function or activity of the nervous system, the operative & non-operative management of pain. A neurological surgeon has specialization in treating patients with disorders of the nervous system which includes conditions affecting the brain, meninges, skull, and their blood supply, such as the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries. They also manage disorders related to the pituitary gland, spinal cord, meninges, and vertebral column, including those that may require spinal fusion or instrumentation. In addition to this, they treat conditions affecting the cranial and spinal nerves throughout their course in the body. Contact Dr. Uchiyama to book an appointment today.

    Is this Dr. Christopher Uchiyama affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?

    Yes, Dr. Uchiyama is affiliated with Scripps Green Hospital which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They 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

    Where can I learn more about Neurosurgeon?

    Explore Neurosurgeon with 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 Christopher Uchiyama accepting new patients in La Jolla, CA?

    Yes, Dr. Christopher Uchiyama is accepting new patients at this time.

    Does Dr. Christopher Uchiyama offer online booking?

    Please contact Dr. Uchiyama's office at (858) 455-9100 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.

    How can I make an appointment with Christopher Uchiyama?

    Please contact Dr. Uchiyama's office at (858) 455-9100 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.

    Which board certifications does Dr. Christopher Uchiyama have?

    Dr. Christopher Uchiyama is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

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