Who is Dr. Heichel, Ophthalmologist in La Jolla, CA?
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Heichel?
Dr. Christopher Heichel, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Ophthalmologist 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. Heichel empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Cataract Surgery, Cornea & External Eye Disease, Keratoconus, LASIK-Refractive Surgery, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the La Jolla, CA community, Dr. Heichel is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Heichel go to medical school and complete their residency?
Fellowship: Uc San Diego
Residency: Scripps Mercy Hosp, Flexible Or Transitional Year | University Of California San Diego | University of California, San Diego | Uc San Diego
Medical School: Chicago Medical School, Chicago, IL | Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego | UC San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego | Associate Clinical Professor
Is Dr. Heichel board certified as an Ophthalmologist?
Yes, Dr. Christopher Heichel, MD is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
What languages does Dr. Heichel speak?
Dr. Heichel and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
- English
- Spanish
What conditions does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Heichel typically treat?
As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Heichel 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. Heichel. 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:
- Cataract
- Cloudy lens
- Lens clouding
- Eye cloudiness
ICD-10 Codes:
- H2511: Age-related nuclear cataract, right eye
- H2513: Age-related nuclear cataract, bilateral
- H2512: Age-related nuclear cataract, left eye
Also known as:
- Corneal Transplant
- Organ Transplantation
- Eye Transplant
- Cornea Graft
- Keratoplasty
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z947: Corneal transplant status
Also known as:
- Other Post-Surgery Condition
- Postoperative State
- Recovery After Surgery
- Surgical Follow-up
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z98890: Other specified postprocedural states
Also known as:
- Corneal Scars or Cloudy Spots
- Corneal Disorder
- Corneal Clouding
- Corneal Haze
- Corneal Leukoma
ICD-10 Codes:
- H179: Unspecified corneal scar and opacity
Also known as:
- Intraocular Lens Implant
- Cataract
- Refractive Errors
- IOL Implant
- Artificial Eye Lens
- Cataract Lens Implant
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z961: Presence of intraocular lens
What procedures does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Heichel typically perform?
As an Ophthalmologist, Dr. Heichel 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. Heichel. 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:
- Complex Cataract Removal with Lens Implant
- Advanced Cataract Surgery
- Phacoemulsification with IOL
- Complex Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
CPT Codes:
- 66982: Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification), complex, requiring devices or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery (eg, iris expansion device, suture support for intraocular lens, or primary posterior capsulorrhexis) or performed on patients in the amblyogenic developmental stage; without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Also known as:
- Laser Surgery for Secondary Cataract
- YAG Laser Capsulotomy
- Posterior Capsulotomy
- Secondary Cataract Removal
- Laser Eye Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 66821: Discission of secondary membranous cataract (opacified posterior lens capsule and/or anterior hyaloid); laser surgery (eg, YAG laser) (1 or more stages)
Also known as:
- Intraocular Lens Exchange
- IOL Exchange
- Cataract Lens Replacement (Secondary)
- Replacement of Eye Implant
CPT Codes:
- 66986: Exchange of intraocular lens
Also known as:
- Penetrating Corneal Transplant
- Endothelial Corneal Transplant
- Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant
- PKP (Penetrating Keratoplasty)
- Cornea Replacement Surgery
- Keratoplasty
- Endothelial keratoplasty
- Corneal graft
CPT Codes:
- 65730: Keratoplasty (corneal transplant); penetrating (except in aphakia or pseudophakia)
- 65756: Keratoplasty (corneal transplant); endothelial
Does Dr. Heichel accept my insurance?
Dr. Heichel accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (858) 534-6290 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Heichel accept in La Jolla, CA?
Dr. Heichel in La Jolla, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
Blue Shield of California
Centene Corporation
HealthRight Group
Heritage Health
Humana
Medicare
Other Health Care Provider
Other Provider Networks
Sharp HealthCare
UnitedHealth Group
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Heichel's office located?
Dr. Christopher Heichel's Primary Practice
9415 Campus Point Dr
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 534-6290
What hospitals are Dr. Heichel affiliated with?
Dr. Heichel has admitting privileges at the following hospitals:
Ratings & Reviews
5.0
Overall rating
Based on 1 review
Office Experience
100% of patients found the doctor and staff friendly and the office clean and modern
Attentiveness
100% of patients felt that their time spent with the doctor was meaningful and impactful and that any follow ups were addressed quickly
Appointment Booking
80% of patients found it easy to book an appointment
Diagnosis
100% of patients were satisfied with the doctor's diagnosis and explanation of their condition
Patients give Dr. Christopher Heichel an Excellent overall experience rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Dr. Heichel has been rated and reviewed by 1 patient. These ratings are based on a variety of factors, including the amount of time patients spent with Dr. Heichel, his bedside manner, appointment waiting time, friendliness of the office staff, clarity of diagnosis, and more.
Read Patient ReviewsRecognitions
Memberships & Associations
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Fellow
What is Dr. Heichel's NPI number?A National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Heichel's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1083667307.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Heichel?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Heichel