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Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD is a pediatrician in Los Angeles, CA specializing in general pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology. He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1998 and has 27 years of experience. Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD is affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Health, UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital and UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center.
10833 Le Conte Avenue Rm 22-315
Los Angeles, CA 90095
1260 15th Street Suite 1024
Santa Monica, CA 90404
200 Medical Plaza Suite 170
Los Angeles, CA 90095
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 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.
Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1998. He completed residency at University of California, Irvine Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the Pediatric Endocrinology, American Board of Pediatrics and has a state license in Oregon.
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine (1998)
Residency: University of California, Irvine Affiliated Hospitals (2001)
Board Certification: Pediatric Endocrinology, American Board of Pediatrics (2005)
Licensed In: Oregon
Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Cigna, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), TRICARE, Aetna, Blue Shield of California, MultiPlan, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Medicare Advantage, Prime Health, First Health, HealthSmart, Centivo, Health Net of California, UFCM Health System and L.A. Care.
According to our sources, Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Dennis J. Chia, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$125
Norditropin $125 |
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$124
Crysvita $124 |
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$123
Saizen $123 |
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$112
Strensiq $112 |
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$91
GENOTROPIN $78 |
PAXLOVID $13 |
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$22
Diabetes Care $22 |
| $597 |
Dr. Dennis Chia's specialties are pediatric endocrinology and general pediatrics. His areas of expertise include growth problems, metabolic bone diseases, and neurosurgery. He is professionally affiliated with UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. Dr. Chia's education and training includes medical school at Boston University School of Medicine and residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of California, Irvine. He most likely takes Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue California, as well as other insurance carriers. His practice in Los Angeles, CA is open to new patients as reported by UCLA Health.
