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Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD

Accepting New Patients

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Specializes in: Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

University of Virginia School of Medicine (2006)

Professional interests include: sinus problems, cancer, parathyroid surgery, and more.

5565 Grossmont Center Drive Building 3, Suite 101
La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 464-3353

Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD is an otolaryngologist in La Mesa, CA specializing in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). He graduated from University of Virginia School of Medicine in 2006 and has 19 years of experience. Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD is affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp HealthCare, Sharp Grossmont Hospital and EAR NOSE AND THROAT ASSOCIATES OF SAN DIEGO A MEDICAL CORP.

Office Locations

Address:

5565 Grossmont Center Drive Building 3 Suite 101
La Mesa, CA 29425

Address:

5565 Grossmont Center Drive Building 3, Suite 101
La Mesa, CA 91942

Some issues Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD can help you with:

Parathyroid Surgery

Parathyroid surgery is a procedure done to identify and remove diseased parathyroid glands. These tiny glands in the neck regulate calcium levels in the body. Occasionally, one or more of the parathyroid glands can become hyperactive, swelling and causing too much calcium to be moved from the bones to the bloodstream. This is called hyperparathyroidism, and it can cause problems including weakness, nervous system disorders, and kidney problems. To treat hyperparathyroidism, overactive parathyroid glands are removed.

One kind of parathyroid surgery is called bilateral neck exploration. The surgeon finds and looks at all of the parathyroid glands on both sides of the neck, visually identifying any that are diseased and removing them. Minimally invasive, or focused, parathyroidectomy is done to remove a single diseased gland. The gland causing problems is identified before surgery using localization techniques such as hormonal or radiology testing. Since in most cases only one gland is causing problems, focused parathyroidectomy is a common alternative to bilateral neck exploration. Both procedures are safe and effective.

In the rare case that all four glands are diseased, the surgeon will either remove three and a half glands and leave one half in place, or all four will be removed and part of one gland will be transplanted into the forearm. This is done to keep calcium levels where they should be.

After surgery, patients will have a bandage on their neck and a sore throat. Patients may only want liquids or very soft food for the first day, and thy may be asked to take calcium supplements for a while until their remaining parathyroid glands begin functioning well again. Recovery is fairly quick, and within a few days patients should be feeling like themselves again.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the little round joint that lies in front of the ear between the temporal bone ( the cheek bone) and the mandible (the lower jaw.) Often people use the acronym 'TMJ' to refer to temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder - that is, pain and stiffness in this joint and the muscles around it.

TMJ can cause a wide variety of symptoms related to the movement of the jaw. They can include earaches, headaches, an inability to open the mouth very far, painful clicking or popping noises when chewing or talking, and stiffness or pain in the jaw, face, or neck. Sometimes TMJ symptoms seem to go in cycles, getting better or going away for a while only to come back again. Symptoms can be mild and not very bothersome, or so persistent and painful as to be almost debilitating.

There can be many potential causes of TMJ. An injury or trauma to the jaw, arthritis, or grinding the teeth can all contribute to TMJ. The temporomandibular joint contains a small disc of cartilage that allows it to move smoothly, and this disc can become dislocated or torn. Sometimes the cause is unknown. There are no standard tests for TMJ, and it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Mild cases of TMJ may benefit from self-care such as eating soft foods, practicing stress management techniques, and applying ice packs to the jaw. NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen, can be purchased without a prescription and work to reduce pain and inflammation. Some dentists and occupational therapists can suggest stretching techniques for the jaw which may help relieve stiffness. More serious cases may require a form of splinting called a stabilization splint or bite plate, which helps reduce pressure on the joint. Extreme cases may benefit from arthroscopic surgery on the joint.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.

Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.

An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.

Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.

doctor visit	9

**Gender**
Male	32
Female	46

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	78

**Age**
From 65 to 74	38
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	31
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	67
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

diagnostic procedures	82
doctor visit	237
ear procedures	170

**Gender**
Male	86
Female	101

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	119
Black	0
Hispanic	16
Asian	16
Other	0
Native American	19

**Age**
From 65 to 74	70
From 75 to 84	47
85 and over	31
Less than 65	39

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	51
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	19
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	27
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	41
Dementia	16
Cancer	10

diagnostic procedures	173
doctor visit	539
ear procedures	416
minimally invasive procedures	17
nose surgery	17
nosebleed treatment	39
stroboscopy	13

**Gender**
Male	158
Female	234

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	277
Black	24
Hispanic	41
Asian	27
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	162
From 75 to 84	92
85 and over	76
Less than 65	62

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	41
Dementia	19
Cancer	6

diagnostic procedures	168
doctor visit	502
ear procedures	400

**Gender**
Male	160
Female	196

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	258
Black	20
Hispanic	33
Asian	0
Other	27
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	128
From 75 to 84	109
85 and over	66
Less than 65	53

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	42
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	34
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	28
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	38
Dementia	15
Cancer	11

CT scan	21
debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue)	34
diagnostic procedures	295
doctor visit	701
ear procedures	449
excision	34
gynecologic procedures	34
minimally invasive procedures	48
nose surgery	48
nosebleed treatment	28
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	34

**Gender**
Male	201
Female	243

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	317
Black	0
Hispanic	32
Asian	39
Other	36
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	167
From 75 to 84	135
85 and over	76
Less than 65	66

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	33
Dementia	11
Cancer	10

CT scan	14
diagnostic procedures	96
doctor visit	453
ear procedures	236
nosebleed treatment	13

**Gender**
Male	128
Female	160

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	219
Black	0
Hispanic	21
Asian	14
Other	20
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	125
From 75 to 84	80
85 and over	44
Less than 65	39

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	36
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	36
Dementia	13
Cancer	6

CT scan	14
diagnostic procedures	517
doctor visit	1024
ear procedures	899

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2015 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD treated as an otolaryngologist in La Mesa, CA were ear procedures, diagnostic procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth) and debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue).

CT scan	16
debridement (removal of unhealthy tissue)	34
diagnostic procedures	222
doctor visit	496
ear procedures	428
excision	34
gynecologic procedures	34
minimally invasive procedures	33
nose surgery	33
nosebleed treatment	27
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	34

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2015 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD.

**Gender**
Female	98
Male	76

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	4
Asian / Pacific Islander	9
Non-Hispanic White	119
Native American / Alaskan Native	9
Hispanic	14
Other	8

**Age**
85 and over	29
75 to 84	46
Less than 65	25
65 to 74	69

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD From 2015 - 2021

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

Hypertension	41
High Cholesterol	31
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	5
Osteoporosis	4
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	25
Atrial Fibrillation	5
Cancer	4
Dementia	7

Education & Training

Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD graduated from University of Virginia School of Medicine in 2006. He completed residency at Medical University of South Carolina Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the ENT (otolaryngology) and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine (2006)

Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: ENT (otolaryngology)

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Sharp HealthCare

Sharp Grossmont Hospital

EAR NOSE AND THROAT ASSOCIATES OF SAN DIEGO A MEDICAL CORP

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Myoscience Inc.	$22,794 Iovera $22,794
Stryker Corporation	$3,114 ENTELLUS - XPRESS ENT DILATION SYSTEM $834	CLARIFIX CRYOTHERAPY DEVICE $728	ENTELLUS - FIAGON SINUS NAVIGATION SYSTEM $438	Clarifix $194	SPIROX - LATERA $161	Other $758
Smith+Nephew, Inc.	$2,755 TULA $2,216	TRIGEN $493	RF20000 $29	Coblation Wands $16
Entellus Medical, Inc.	$1,196 XprESS Multi-Sinus Dilation System $1,087	ENTELLUS - XPRESS ENT DILATION SYSTEM $109
Optinose US, Inc.	$1,092 Xhance $1,092
Other	$2,266 Propel $238	NUCALA $228	SCULPTRA AESTHETIC $112	DUPIXENT $110	ACCLARENT SE Inflation Device $59	Other $1,520

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$22,794
Food and Beverage	$7,991
Travel and Lodging	$2,432

Research Payments

Dr. Geoffrey Barrett Pitzer, MD has received 74 research payments totaling $132,606.

Biography

Dr. Geoffrey Pitzer is a specialist in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) in La Mesa, CA. Dr. Pitzer graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and then he performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with Medical University of South Carolina. His areas of expertise include the following: salivary gland surgery, sleep apnea, and thyroid cancer. He is professionally affiliated with Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Sharp Grossmont Hospital. His practice in La Mesa, CA is open to new patients as reported by Sharp HealthCare.