Accepting patients
Who is Dr. Heichel, Ophthalmologist in La Jolla, CA?
Dr. Christopher Heichel, MD is an Ophthalmologist, who primarily practices in La Jolla, CA with 2 additional practice locations. He is board certified. Dr. Heichel graduated from Chicago Medical School, Chicago, IL and completed his residency at Scripps Mercy Hosp, Flexible Or Transitional Year. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Heichel is fluent in English and Spanish, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Heichel’s practice accepts Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Heichel’s office at (858) 534-6290.
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 or 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, or 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 Dr. Heichel 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.
Also known as:
- Cataract
- Secondary Cataract
- Other Secondary Cataract
- Cloudy lens
- Lens clouding
- Eye cloudiness
- After-Cataract
- Posterior Capsule Opacification
- PCO
- Cataract from another condition
- Complicated cataract
- Acquired cataract
ICD-10 Codes:
- H2511: Age-related nuclear cataract, right eye
- H2513: Age-related nuclear cataract, bilateral
- H2512: Age-related nuclear cataract, left eye
- H26492: Other secondary cataract, left eye
- H26491: Other secondary cataract, right 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
Also known as:
- Fuchs' Dystrophy
- Corneal Disorder
- Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy', 'Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy', 'Fuchs' Corneal Disease
ICD-10 Codes:
- H18513: Endothelial corneal dystrophy, bilateral
Also known as:
- Keratoconus
- Corneal Disorder
- Conical cornea
- KC
- Corneal thinning disorder
ICD-10 Codes:
- H18603: Keratoconus, unspecified, bilateral
Also known as:
- Type 2 Diabetes with Diabetic Cataract
- Cataract
- Diabetes Type 2
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes-related cataract
- Cloudy lens from diabetes
- Diabetic eye cataract
ICD-10 Codes:
- E1136: Type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic cataract
Also known as:
- Dry Eyes
- Tears
- Dry eye syndrome
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Ocular dryness
ICD-10 Codes:
- H04123: Dry eye syndrome of bilateral lacrimal glands
Also known as:
- Preglaucoma
- Glaucoma
- Early Glaucoma
- Borderline Glaucoma
- Risk of Glaucoma
ICD-10 Codes:
- H40003: Preglaucoma, unspecified, bilateral
Also known as:
- Herpes Eye Infection
- Herpes Simplex
- Herpes Keratitis
- Ocular Herpes
- Corneal Herpes
ICD-10 Codes:
- B0052: Herpesviral keratitis
Also known as:
- Displaced intraocular lens
- Cataract
- Refractive Errors
- IOL displacement
- Slipped artificial lens
- Moved implanted lens
ICD-10 Codes:
- T8522XA: Displacement of intraocular lens, initial encounter
Also known as:
- Other Intraocular Lens Mechanical Problem
- Cataract
- Refractive Errors
- Artificial lens mechanical issue
- IOL complication
- Implanted lens problem
ICD-10 Codes:
- T8529XA: Other mechanical complication of intraocular lens, initial encounter
Also known as:
- Corneal Swelling
- Corneal Disorder
- Swollen Cornea
- Corneal Edema
- Fluid in Cornea
ICD-10 Codes:
- H1820: Unspecified corneal edema
Also known as:
- Band Keratopathy
- Corneal Disorder
- Corneal Calcification
- Calcium Deposits on Cornea
- Eye Surface Calcification
ICD-10 Codes:
- H18421: Band keratopathy, right eye
Also known as:
- Other Vision Problems
- Vision Impairment and Blindness
- Other visual disturbances
- Unspecified vision issues
- Various eye problems
ICD-10 Codes:
- H538: Other visual disturbances
What procedures does Dr. Heichel 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.
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
- Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant
- PKP (Penetrating Keratoplasty)
- Cornea Replacement Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 65730: Keratoplasty (corneal transplant); penetrating (except in aphakia or pseudophakia)
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
All Other Third Party
Blue Shield of California
Centene
Crown Cork and Seal Company
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Humana
Other Health Care Provider
Scan Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare
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
Ratings & Reviews
5.0
Overall rating
Based on 1 reviews
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?An 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
What is Dr. Christopher Heichel's specialty?
Dr. Heichel is a Ophthalmologist near La Jolla, CA. An ophthalmologist possesses the knowledge and professional skills required to deliver comprehensive eye and vision care. These medical doctors are trained to diagnose, monitor, and treat all ocular and visual disorders, whether through medical or surgical interventions. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of issues affecting the eye and its structures, including the eyelids, orbit, and visual pathways. Additionally, ophthalmologists prescribe vision services, such as glasses and contact lenses, to help patients achieve optimal visual health. Contact Dr. Heichel to book an appointment today.
Is this Dr. Christopher Heichel affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
No, Heichel 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
Where can I learn more about Ophthalmologist?
Explore Ophthalmologist 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 Heichel accepting new patients in La Jolla, CA?
Yes, Dr. Christopher Heichel is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Christopher Heichel offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Heichel's office at (858) 534-6290 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Christopher Heichel?
Please contact Dr. Heichel's office at (858) 534-6290 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Christopher Heichel have?
Dr. Christopher Heichel is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.
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