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Home > CA Providers > Plastic Surgeons

Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD

Accepting New Patients

(1 Rating)

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

Oral Roberts University School of Medicine (1988)

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

10670 Wexford Street Floor 1
San Diego, CA 92131

(858) 621-4090

Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD is a plastic surgeon in San Diego, CA specializing in plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). He graduated from Oral Roberts University School of Medicine in 1988 and has 37 years of experience. Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD is affiliated with Sharp Memorial Hospital, Sharp HealthCare, Sharp Coronado Hospital and SHARP REES-STEALY MEDICAL GROUP INC.

Office Locations

Address:

10670 Wexford Street Floor 1
San Diego, CA 92131

Address:

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

Some issues Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, 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.

Skin Grafting

When a large area of skin is too damaged to heal, a skin graft may be used to protect the tissue underneath and reduce scarring. A layer of healthy skin is taken and moved to the injured area, where it is fixed in place. Skin grafts are used to treat burns, infections, large wounds, ulcers, and other significant problems that affect the skin.

There are several different types of skin graft, depending on where the donor skin is taken from:

Autografts, where healthy skin is taken from another place on the patient's body
Allografts, where the donor skin is taken from another person or cadaver
Xenografts, which are harvested from animals and are used temporarily like a dressing to cover a wound
Synthetic grafts, which are made from non-biological materials, like silicone

In all cases, the skin graft may either be full-thickness or partial-thickness. While thicker grafts make recovery more difficult for the donor site, they heal more easily than thinner grafts.

Before skin graft surgery, patients are given anesthesia so they cannot feel any pain. If using an autograft, the surgeon carefully measures and removes the skin from the donor site. Sometimes the graft is cut in a mesh-like pattern, to allow a small piece of donated skin to stretch and cover a larger area. This also helps oxygen pass through the graft. The site where the skin graft will go is cleaned well to remove any dirt, bacteria, or dead skin cells. Then the skin graft is placed and attached with stitches or staples. It is often covered with antibacterial ointment and supportive bandages for the first few days.

As the skin graft heals into its new position, new blood vessels grow to reach and support the skin. Depending on the thickness of the graft, oil glands, sweat glands, and hair follicles may also regrow. Recovery time depends on the thickness of the graft and the overall health of the skin in the grafted area, but it generally takes from two to four weeks.

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.

diagnostic procedures	58
doctor visit	174
ear procedures	122
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	10
minimally invasive procedures	10

**Gender**
Male	67
Female	91

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	129
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	45
85 and over	27
Less than 65	28

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	30
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	34
Dementia	9
Cancer	9

diagnostic procedures	156
doctor visit	627
ear procedures	394
foreign body removal	12
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	66
minimally invasive procedures	66

**Gender**
Male	182
Female	249

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	321
Black	20
Hispanic	47
Asian	27
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	135
From 75 to 84	130
85 and over	100
Less than 65	66

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	29
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	34
Dementia	15
Cancer	9

doctor visit	79
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	25
minimally invasive procedures	25

**Gender**
Male	42
Female	78

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	96
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	72
plastic surgery procedures	10
reconstructive surgery	10
tissue transfer	10
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	10

**Gender**
Male	34
Female	39

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	61
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	27
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	19
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	94

**Gender**
Male	35
Female	27

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	46
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	26
From 75 to 84	22
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	32
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	27
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	101

**Gender**
Male	39
Female	48

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	68
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	40
From 75 to 84	27
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	26
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	87

**Gender**
Male	41
Female	35

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	65
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	25
From 75 to 84	26
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	22
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	55

**Gender**
Male	32
Female	20

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

**Age**
From 65 to 74	25
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

doctor visit	72

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD treated as a plastic surgeon in San Diego, CA were ear procedures, diagnostic procedures, minimally invasive procedures and laryngeal (voice box) procedures.

diagnostic procedures	107
doctor visit	152
ear procedures	259
foreign body removal	12
laryngeal (voice box) procedures	33
minimally invasive procedures	33
plastic surgery procedures	10
reconstructive surgery	10
tissue transfer	10
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	10

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD.

**Gender**
Female	58
Male	47

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	2
Asian / Pacific Islander	2
Non-Hispanic White	82
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	4
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	12
75 to 84	30
Less than 65	9
65 to 74	39

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	49
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	3
Osteoporosis	2
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	5
Diabetes	19
Atrial Fibrillation	2
Dementia	2
Cancer	1

Education & Training

Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD graduated from Oral Roberts University School of Medicine in 1988. He completed residency at Oregon Health & Science University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the ENT (otolaryngology) and has a state license in California.

Medical School: Oral Roberts University School of Medicine (1988)

Residency: Oregon Health & Science University Affiliated Hospitals

Board Certification: ENT (otolaryngology)

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Sharp Memorial Hospital

Sharp HealthCare

Sharp Coronado Hospital

SHARP REES-STEALY MEDICAL GROUP INC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. James Kieran Amsberry, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in San Diego, CA.

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Entellus Medical, Inc.	$532 XprESS Multi-Sinus Dilation System $532
Stryker Corporation	$158 ENTELLUS - ENTELLUS MEDICAL REINFORCED ANESTHESIA NEEDLE $82	Clarifix $58	ENTELLUS - ENTELLUS MEDICAL SHAVER SYSTEM $18
Acclarent, Inc	$147 Rhinology $147
Spirox Inc	$133 Latera $133
Merz North America, Inc.	$116 Xeomin $116
Other	$141 Xhance $41	FUSION $26	Celon System $25	Propel $18	Olympus ENT Fiber Scopes $17	Other $13

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,227

Biography

Dr. James Amsberry, who practices in La Mesa, CA and San Diego, CA, is a medical specialist in plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). His areas of expertise include facial problems, facial plastic surgery, and salivary gland surgery. His professional affiliations include Sharp Coronado Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital. After completing medical school at Oral Roberts University School of Medicine, Dr. Amsberry performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with Thomas Jefferson University and a hospital affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University. He welcomes new patients at his office inSan Diego, CA as reported by Sharp HealthCare.