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Home > CA Providers > Neurosurgeons

Sara Saunders, PA

Accepting New Patients

(175 Ratings)

Specializes in: Neurosurgery

Professional interests include: heart problems

9898 GENESEE AVENUE
LA JOLLA, CA 92037

(858) 824-5000

Sara Saunders, PA is in LA JOLLA, CA specializing in neurosurgery. Sara Saunders, PA is affiliated with Scripps Clinic, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Health and Scripps Green Hospital.

Office Locations

9898 GENESEE AVENUE
LA JOLLA, CA 92037

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15004 INNOVATION DRIVE
SAN DIEGO, CA 92128

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10666 N TORREY PINES ROAD
LA JOLLA, CA 92037

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Some issues Sara Saunders, PA can help you with:

Heart Problems

The heart is one of the most important organs in the body. This smooth muscle expands and contracts rhythmically an entire lifetime, pumping blood to the lungs and then to every other cell in the body. When heart problems occur, it becomes difficult for the body to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs via the blood. So while there are a variety of illnesses and disorders that affect the heart, most of them cause weakness, exhaustion and shortness of breath. The most common heart conditions include heart disease, angina, arrhythmia, and valve disorders.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This includes coronary artery disease, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart disease. Some conditions, such as genetics, cannot be controlled. But there are many other things one can do to lower their risk for heart disease. Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing or stopping smoking, exercising more and losing weight if needed, and eating a diet low in sodium can all protect the heart.

Angina is a squeezing type of chest pain that happens when the muscles around the heart don't get enough oxygen. It can be regular or infrequent. Usually, angina is caused by coronary heart disease. However, not all chest pain is angina. Chest pain can also be caused by a lung infection or panic attack, for example, so it is important to have any sudden pain checked.

Arrhythmia is the word for when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly with skipped beats. It can feel frightening, and depending on the type it can be dangerous, but in most cases arrhythmia is not serious and can be treated. It is very common, especially in older adults.

Heart valve problems can happen in any one of the the heart's four valves that keep blood flowing where it needs to go. Babies can be born with problems in their heart valves, or valves can be damaged by infections. The valves can stiffen and become less mobile, or they can stop closing properly and 'leak' when the heart beats. Valve problems can usually be repaired surgically.

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Sara Saunders, PA in 2023

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

Top 5%

By Affordability:

anterior discectomy

anterior spinal fusion

cervical decompression

cervical fusion

cervical spine surgery

In 2023, Sara Saunders, PA had a list price for anterior discectomy, anterior spinal fusion, cervical decompression, cervical fusion, and cervical spine surgery that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% 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.

Top 10%

By Affordability:

anterior cervical discectomy

anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

anterior cervical fusion

nerve decompression surgery

nerve procedures

nerve surgery

spinal decompression

spinal decompression surgery

spinal fusion

spine surgery procedures

In 2023, Sara Saunders, PA had a list price for anterior cervical discectomy, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), anterior cervical fusion, arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery), cervical discectomy, discectomy (disc removal surgery), disc surgery, nerve decompression surgery, nerve procedures, nerve surgery, spinal decompression, spinal decompression surgery, spinal fusion, and spine surgery procedures 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

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	242

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	604

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	202
Female	124

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	287
Black	0
Hispanic	19
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	117
From 75 to 84	124
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	68
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	36
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	21
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	662

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	211
Female	128

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	301
Black	0
Hispanic	15
Asian	12
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	140
From 75 to 84	126
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2014

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	66
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	37
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	23
Dementia	6
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	456

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	352
Female	214

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	506
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	194
From 75 to 84	238
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2015

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	65
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	34
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	25
Dementia	6
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	399

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	162
Female	92

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	230
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	86
From 75 to 84	111
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	66
Depression	10
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	14
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	34
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	22
Dementia	8
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	392

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	158
Female	79

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	216
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	71
From 75 to 84	120
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	73
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	73
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	38
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	28
Dementia	10
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	591

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	184
Female	102

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	252
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	104
From 75 to 84	125
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2018

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	61
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	34
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	22
Dementia	10
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	463

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	170
Female	114

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	257
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	13
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	111
From 75 to 84	119
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2019

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	58
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	36
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	24
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	554

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	200
Female	180

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	349
Black	0
Hispanic	12
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	132
From 75 to 84	168
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2020

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	56
Depression	19
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	38
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	21
Dementia	8
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	535

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	194
Female	188

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	339
Black	0
Hispanic	14
Asian	0
Other	14
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	136
From 75 to 84	166
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2021

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	54
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	35
Heart Failure	23
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	20
Dementia	8
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Sara Saunders, PA treated as in LA JOLLA, CA during 2022 were nerve procedures, decompression surgery, neck surgery and spinal procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	11
decompression surgery	11
doctor visit	166
neck surgery	11
nerve procedures	11
spinal procedures	11

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	75
Female	63

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	118
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	60
From 75 to 84	55
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	20
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	28
Dementia	9
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Sara Saunders, PA for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Sara Saunders, PA treated as in LA JOLLA, CA were nerve procedures, decompression surgery, neck surgery and spinal procedures.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	11
decompression surgery	11
doctor visit	460
neck surgery	11
nerve procedures	11
spinal procedures	11

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA.

**Gender**
Male	173
Female	116

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	1
Non-Hispanic White	259
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	5
Other	3

**Age**
75 to 84	122
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0
65 to 74	104

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Sara Saunders, PA From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Sara Saunders, PA treated were high cholesterol, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrilation.

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	54
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	7
Osteoporosis	9
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	21
Atrial Fibrillation	30
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

Education & Training

She is certified by the Board Certifications and has a state license in California.

Board Certification: Board Certifications

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Sara Saunders, PA is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Scripps Clinic

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla

Scripps Health

Scripps Green Hospital

Ratings & Reviews

Sara Saunders, PA has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 175 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Sara Saunders, PA from all over the web to help you find the right in LA JOLLA, CA.

4.9

Overall Rating

(175 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Biography

Ms. Sara Saunders practices neurosurgery in La Jolla, CA and San Diego, CA. On average, patients gave her a rating of 5.0 stars (out of 5). In her practice, she is particularly interested in heart problems. Ms. Saunders's hospital/clinic affiliations include Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Clinic, and Scripps Green Hospital. She has an open panel in San Diego, CA according to Scripps Health.