Who is Dr. Smith, Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist in San Diego, CA?
Dr. David James Smith, MD is a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist, who primarily practices in San Diego, CA with 1 additional practice location. He has been practicing for over 31 years and is board certified. Dr. Smith graduated from Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine and completed his residency at Vet Affairs Med Ctr-W La, Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation; Vet Affairs Med Ctr-W La, Internal Medicine.
Dr. Smith is fluent in English and Spanish, and is currently seeing new patients. Dr. Smith’s practice accepts Medicare and other major insurance plans. To book an appointment or to confirm insurance options, please call Dr. Smith’s office at (619) 640-5555.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Smith?
Dr. David James Smith, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist 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. Smith empowers
patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Pain Management, and comprehensive
wellness support. Serving
the San Diego, CA community, Dr. Smith is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Smith go to medical school and complete their residency?
Residency: Vet Affairs Med Ctr-W La, Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation; Vet Affairs Med Ctr-W La, Internal Medicine | U S DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Medical School: Northwestern Uniiversity | Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
Is Dr. Smith board certified as a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist?
Yes, Dr. David James Smith, MD is board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
What languages does Dr. Smith speak?
Dr. Smith and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
What conditions does a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist like Dr. Smith typically treat?
As a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist, Dr. Smith 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. Smith. 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 here.
Also known as:
Long-Term Opioid Pain Reliever Use
Pain Relievers
Chronic opioid therapy
Ongoing narcotic pain medication
Opioid analgesic use
ICD-10 Codes:
Z79891: Long term (current) use of opiate analgesic
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:
Lower Back Spondylosis
Spine Injuries and Disorder
Lumbar Spondylosis
Lower Back Arthritis
Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease
ICD-10 Codes:
M47816: Spondylosis without myelopathy or radiculopathy, lumbar region
Also known as:
Unspecified Joint Disease
Joint Disorder
Joint Condition
Joint Problem
ICD-10 Codes:
M129: Arthropathy, unspecified
Also known as:
Lower Back Disc Degeneration
Spine Injuries and Disorder
Degenerative Disc Disease in Lower Back
Worn Lumbar Discs
Lumbar Disc Wear and Tear
ICD-10 Codes:
M5136: Other intervertebral disc degeneration, lumbar region
What procedures does a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist like Dr. Smith typically perform?
As a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist, Dr. Smith 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. Smith. 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 here.
Also known as:
Lumbar or Sacral Epidural Injection with Imaging
Facet Joint Injection (Lower Back/Sacrum)
Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Injection
Caudal Epidural Injection
Spinal Nerve Block
Pain Management Injection
Lumbar Facet Joint Injection
Sacral Facet Joint Injection
Paravertebral Facet Injection
Lower Back Pain Injection (Guided)
Cervical Epidural Injection
Thoracic Epidural Injection
Pain Relief Spinal Injection
TFESI (Lumbar)
Nerve Root Block (Lumbar)
Lower Back Nerve Injection with Imaging
CPT Codes:
62323: Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, lumbar or sacral (caudal); with imaging guidance (ie, fluoroscopy or CT)
64493: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral; single level
62321: Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, cervical or thoracic; with imaging guidance (ie, fluoroscopy or CT)
64483: Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral, single level
64494: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral; second level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
64636: Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, each additional facet joint (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
Facet Joint Nerve Ablation (Lumbar/Sacral)
Lumbar Facet Joint Denervation
Sacral Facet Nerve Block
Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain
CPT Codes:
64635: Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve(s), with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); lumbar or sacral, single facet joint
Also known as:
Lumbar or Sacral Facet Joint Injection (Additional Levels)
Lower Back Facet Joint Injection
Sacral Facet Nerve Block
Paravertebral Facet Injection (Lumbar/Sacral)
CPT Codes:
64495: Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), lumbar or sacral; third and any additional level(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
Joint or Bursa Injection/Fluid Removal
Arthrocentesis
Major Joint Aspiration
Bursa Injection
Joint Fluid Removal
CPT Codes:
20610: Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection, major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee, subacromial bursa); without ultrasound guidance
Does Dr. Smith accept my insurance?
Dr. Smith accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (619) 640-5555 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Smith accept in San Diego, CA?
Dr. Smith in San Diego, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
What is Dr. Smith's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Smith's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1811930357.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Smith?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Smith
What is Dr. David James Smith's specialty?
Dr. Smith is a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist near San Diego, CA.
What does a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist do?
A physiatrist specializing in Pain Medicine evaluates and treats patients with acute or chronic pain, including pain associated with cancer, in both hospital and outpatient settings. They also collaborate with other specialists to coordinate comprehensive care tailored to the patients needs.
Is this Dr. David James Smith affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Smith is affiliated with Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego 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
When to see a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist. 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 David James Smith accepting new patients in San Diego, CA?
Yes, Dr. David James Smith is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. David James Smith offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Smith's office at (619) 640-5555 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with David James Smith?
Please contact Dr. Smith's office at (619) 640-5555 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. David James Smith have?
Dr. David James Smith is certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Other Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist Near San Diego, CA
Dr. Ann Bolander, MD is a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist, who primarily practices in San Marcos, CA with 1 additional practice location. She is board certified.
Dr. Mirielle Diaz-Molina, MD is a Pain Medicine Specialist - Physiatrist, who primarily practices in San Diego, CA with 2 additional practice locations. She is board certified.
Dr. Blake Thompson, MD is a Physiatrist, who primarily practices in San Diego, CA with 2 additional practice locations. He has been practicing for over 34 years and is board certified.