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Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Eric John Linebarger, M.D.)

(567 Ratings)

Specializes in: Eye Disease Ophthalmology (Corneal and External Diseases)

University of Utah School of Medicine (1994)

Professional interests include: laser treatment, cornea transplant (keratoplasty), cataract surgery, and more.

16899 W. Bernardo Drive Floor 2
San Diego, CA 92127

(858) 521-2301

Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD is a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA specializing in eye disease ophthalmology (corneal and external diseases). He graduated from University of Utah School of Medicine in 1994 and has 32 years of experience. Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD is affiliated with Sharp HealthCare, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Health and SHARP REES-STEALY MEDICAL GROUP INC.

Office Locations

Sharp Memorial Hospital

16899 W. Bernardo Drive Floor 2
San Diego, CA 92127

(858) 521-2301

(858) 521-2018

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Scripps Health

3075 Health Center Drive Suite 401
San Diego, CA 92123

(858) 939-5400

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Sharp Memorial Hospital

8701 Cuyamaca Street Floor 3
Santee, CA 92071

(619) 568-8220

(619) 568-8089

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Some issues Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD can help you with:

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently correcting refractive vision errors. Refractive vision errors are sight problems (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that typically require patients to wear contact lenses or glasses. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurred vision at a distance, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes objects that are up close appear blurry. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. Each eye is either nearsighted or farsighted, and can additionally have astigmatism. These refractive vision errors develop from imperfections in the curvature of the eye, which LASIK fixes through the use of a laser. The laser changes the shape of the eye by cutting away tissue from the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye).

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure (not medically necessary) since patients can wear glasses or contact lenses instead of undergoing LASIK. Nevertheless, many people still elect to undergo LASIK to have better vision without having to wear corrective lenses. Certain professionals, such as pilots, military members, firefighters, and athletes, might particularly benefit from LASIK.

Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) evaluate patients before surgery, measuring the cornea and checking for any eye irregularities that would disqualify patients from LASIK. A special eye scanner is used to create a map of the cornea. This map guides the surgeon in developing an individualized LASIK treatment plan. Once approved for LASIK, contact-wearers are advised to switch to glasses for the three weeks leading up to their surgery.

LASIK is a brief procedure, lasting for about half an hour, depending on the state of a patient's eyes and the corneal reshaping required. Patients lie down on a reclining chair and have numbing eye drops applied to one or both eyes to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure. While the eyes are held open by a device, the eye surgeon raises a fixation light where patients direct their eyes. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to cut a precise circular incision in the cornea's surface. The surgeon then manually folds back the corneal flap to access the stroma (inner cornea).

An excimer laser is then used to remove certain amounts of corneal tissue. For patients with farsightedness, the laser cuts tissue on the outer regions of the cornea, making the central cornea more prominent. For patients with nearsightedness, the opposite is done; central corneal tissue is removed while the outer tissue is left alone, flattening the eye. In patients with astigmatism, the laser is used to even out the surface of the corneal tissue, making the eye more spherical. When the lasering process is complete, the ophthalmologist folds the corneal flap to its regular position. The flap quickly begins to heal and naturally reattach itself to the eye.

LASIK patients need someone to drive them home from the procedure and cannot drive for the following 24 hours. Recovery from LASIK lasts about five days. Patients typically notice improved vision within a day or two of surgery. Prescription eye drops are given to patients to alleviate discomfort and promote eye healing. During this recovery time, patients must be incredibly careful not to touch or rub their eyes. Ophthalmologists often instruct patients to wear protective glasses during the day and night to prevent potential damage from eye rubbing.

LASIK can improve the experience of certain activities such as swimming or reading, and in some cases, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe refractive vision errors. LASIK may also save patients money by eliminating the recurring need for updated corrective lenses.

In The News

“While Lasik may get the most publicity, it's not the only laser procedure available, said Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, a cornea and refractive surgeon with Sharp Reese-Stealy Medical Group in San Diego.”—"Laser surgery proves easy on the eyes", The San Diego Union-Tribune, October 2013

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 10%

By Affordability:

ophthalmic biometry

In 2023, Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD had a list price for ophthalmic biometry that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 90% of providers in related specialties within California. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2012 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	16
doctor visit	388
eye procedures	336
laser treatment	16

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2013 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	22
doctor visit	409
eye procedures	336
laser treatment	22

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	119
Female	158

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	171
Black	15
Hispanic	52
Asian	25
Other	14
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	92
From 75 to 84	117
85 and over	46
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2013

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	4
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	36
Dementia	10
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2014 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	19
doctor visit	374
eye procedures	376
laser treatment	19

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	105
Female	186

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	184
Black	20
Hispanic	44
Asian	27
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	112
From 75 to 84	104
85 and over	56
Less than 65	19

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2014

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	32
Dementia	10
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2015 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	30
doctor visit	360
eye procedures	335
laser treatment	30

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	198
Female	366

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	378
Black	26
Hispanic	98
Asian	38
Other	24
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	234
From 75 to 84	208
85 and over	86
Less than 65	36

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2015

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	34
Dementia	9
Cancer	7

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2016 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	17
doctor visit	335
eye procedures	282
laser treatment	17

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	85
Female	143

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	156
Black	0
Hispanic	37
Asian	20
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	93
From 75 to 84	80
85 and over	38
Less than 65	17

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2016

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	39
Dementia	8
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2017 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	17
doctor visit	298
eye procedures	233
laser treatment	17

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	79
Female	148

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	159
Black	0
Hispanic	22
Asian	23
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	94
From 75 to 84	89
85 and over	33
Less than 65	11

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2017

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	30
Dementia	10
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2018 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	14
doctor visit	301
eye procedures	231
laser treatment	14

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	74
Female	154

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	157
Black	0
Hispanic	28
Asian	23
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	106
From 75 to 84	77
85 and over	31
Less than 65	14

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2018

Hypertension	57
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	26
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2019 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	21
doctor visit	323
eye procedures	225
laser treatment	21

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	144

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	167
Black	0
Hispanic	28
Asian	18
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	96
From 75 to 84	93
85 and over	29
Less than 65	12

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2019

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	30
Dementia	6
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2020 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	338
eye procedures	189

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	82
Female	133

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	151
Black	0
Hispanic	26
Asian	18
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	101
From 75 to 84	78
85 and over	25
Less than 65	11

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2020

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	42
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	28
Dementia	5
Cancer	7

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2021 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	328
eye procedures	221

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	84
Female	142

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	163
Black	0
Hispanic	23
Asian	19
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	87
From 75 to 84	106
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2021

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	24
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA during 2022 were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

capsulotomy	17
doctor visit	337
eye procedures	279
laser treatment	17

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	77
Female	147

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	167
Black	15
Hispanic	21
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	85
From 75 to 84	98
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD in 2022

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	17
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	28
Dementia	7
Cancer	18

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated as a cornea specialist in San Diego, CA were eye procedures, capsulotomy and laser treatment.

capsulotomy	19
doctor visit	344
eye procedures	276
laser treatment	19

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD.

**Gender**
Male	89
Female	156

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	6
Asian / Pacific Islander	19
Non-Hispanic White	168
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	34
Other	3

**Age**
75 to 84	95
85 and over	31
Less than 65	12
65 to 74	100

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	1
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	4
Osteoporosis	8
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	27
Atrial Fibrillation	10
Dementia	7
Cancer	8

Education & Training

Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD graduated from University of Utah School of Medicine in 1994. He completed residency at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Utah School of Medicine (1994)

Residency: University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Affiliated Hospitals (1998)

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology (2000)

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Sharp HealthCare

Sharp Memorial Hospital

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

Scripps Health

SHARP REES-STEALY MEDICAL GROUP INC

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Cigna, TRICARE, Aetna, Blue Shield of California, Self-Pay/Uninsured, UnitedHealthcare, Sharp Health Plan, Anthem, Beech Street, Health Net, Medicare, HealthSmart, Humana and Whole Foods Market.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Cigna

TRICARE

Aetna

Blue Shield of California

Self-Pay/Uninsured

UnitedHealthcare

Sharp Health Plan

Anthem

Beech Street

Health Net

Medicare

HealthSmart

Humana

Whole Foods Market

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 567 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in San Diego, CA.

4.9

Overall Rating

(567 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Eric J. Linebarger, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Carl Zeiss Meditec USA, Inc.	$13,379 CIRRUS HD-OCT $13,379
Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.	$112 Tecnis IOL $112
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	$82 XIIDRA $82
Alcon Vision LLC	$52 AcrySof IQ PanOptix UV IOL $29	ARGOS $23
Novo Nordisk Inc	$30 $30
Other	$42 RetinaVue 100 Imager $18	Medical Optics $13	Cataract Equipment $11

**Types of Payments**
Long term medical supply or device loan	$13,379
Food and Beverage	$318

Biography

Dr. Eric Linebarger's specialty is eye disease ophthalmology (corneal and external diseases). He speaks Spanish. These areas are among his clinical interests: LASIK, cataract surgery, and intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Dr. Linebarger's professional affiliations include Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Sharp Memorial Hospital, and Sharp HealthCare. After completing medical school at the University of Utah School of Medicine, he performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Dr. Linebarger has received a 5.0 out of 5 star rating by his patients. Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue California seem to be the insurance carriers that Dr. Linebarger accepts. Sharp HealthCare reports that he is accepting new patients at his office in Santee, CA.