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Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE

Accepting New Patients

(4 Ratings)

Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology

University of Vermont College of Medicine (1996)

Professional interests include: thyroid problems, adrenal disorders, pituitary tumor

5525 Grossmont Center Drive Floor 4
La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 644-6815

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE is an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1996 and has 28 years of experience. Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE is affiliated with Regents of the University of California, Sharp HealthCare and SHARP REES-STEALY MEDICAL GROUP INC.

Office Locations

Address:

5525 Grossmont Center Drive Floor 4
La Mesa, CA 91942

Some issues Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE can help you with:

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

In The News

“That's why prevention is so important," said Dr. Neelima Chu, an endocrinologist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital.”—"Warning: diabetes ahead", The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 2013

diabetes management	183
doctor visit	274
lab tests	182

**Gender**
Male	59
Female	128

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	112
Black	20
Hispanic	38
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	96
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	47

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	67
Dementia	6
Cancer	7

diabetes management	74
doctor visit	309
lab tests	212
preventive care	151
vaccines	13

**Gender**
Male	63
Female	134

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	133
Black	14
Hispanic	34
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	103
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	46
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	69
Dementia	6
Cancer	8

doctor visit	287
lab tests	184
preventive care	195
vaccines	10

**Gender**
Male	112
Female	266

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	266
Black	30
Hispanic	52
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	212
From 75 to 84	74
85 and over	22
Less than 65	70

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	43
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	65
Dementia	0
Cancer	13

doctor visit	250
lab tests	173
preventive care	172

**Gender**
Male	62
Female	117

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	127
Black	0
Hispanic	27
Asian	12
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	97
From 75 to 84	40
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	66
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	52
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	63
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

doctor visit	252
lab tests	156
preventive care	155

**Gender**
Male	52
Female	120

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	127
Black	13
Hispanic	20
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	88
From 75 to 84	45
85 and over	11
Less than 65	28

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	59
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	62
Dementia	0
Cancer	9

doctor visit	300
lab tests	176
preventive care	175

**Gender**
Male	68
Female	146

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	144
Black	0
Hispanic	33
Asian	16
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	113
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	65
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	56
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	21
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	61
Dementia	8
Cancer	13

doctor visit	321
lab tests	172
preventive care	171

**Gender**
Male	67
Female	169

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	151
Black	15
Hispanic	41
Asian	18
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	121
From 75 to 84	66
85 and over	11
Less than 65	38

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	50
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	28
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	53
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

doctor visit	185
lab tests	72
preventive care	71

**Gender**
Male	63
Female	165

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	160
Black	19
Hispanic	30
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	115
From 75 to 84	56
85 and over	17
Less than 65	40

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	52
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	56
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

doctor visit	484
lab tests	201
preventive care	200

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA were lab tests, preventive care, diabetes management and vaccines.

diabetes management	128
doctor visit	296
lab tests	170
preventive care	163
vaccines	12

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

**Gender**
Male	54
Female	124

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	11
Asian / Pacific Islander	4
Non-Hispanic White	122
Hispanic	27
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	33
85 and over	6
Less than 65	26
65 to 74	94

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	39
Asthma	6
Osteoporosis	15
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	49
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Dementia	4
Cancer	8

Education & Training

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE graduated from University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1996. She completed residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. She is certified by the Endocrinology Endocrinology and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine (1996)

Residency: Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center

Board Certification: Endocrinology Endocrinology

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Regents of the University of California

Sharp HealthCare

SHARP REES-STEALY MEDICAL GROUP INC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 4 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE from all over the web to help you find the right in La Mesa, CA.

Overall Rating

(4 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
GENZYME CORPORATION	$160 THYROGEN $160
MannKind Corporation	$59 AFREZZA $59
Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC	$48 INVOKANA $48
Horizon Therapeutics plc	$24 TEPEZZA $24
Amarin Pharma Inc.	$20 Vascepa $20
Other	$32 t:slim X2 insulin pump $20	$12

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$228
Gift	$59
Education	$57

Biography

Dr. Neelima Chu is an adult endocrinology specialist in La Mesa, CA. She studied medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Patients rated Dr. Chu highly, giving her an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). She is professionally affiliated with Sharp HealthCare and Regents of the University of California.

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Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE can help you with:

In The News

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE From 2013 - 2021

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

Other Providers in La Mesa, CA