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Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD

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Specializes in: Pediatric Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

Professional interests include: ectropion (outward-turned eyelid), orbital tumors, eye cancer, and more.

450 N New Ballas Road Suite 260
Saint Louis, MO 63141

(314) 362-3937

Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD is a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in pediatric ophthalmology and plastic surgery. He graduated from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD is affiliated with Washington University Physicians, BJC HealthCare, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

Office Locations

Address:

450 N New Ballas Road Suite 260
Saint Louis, MO 63141

Address:

450 N. New Ballas Road Building 450 North New Ballas Road
Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Address:

4901 Forest Park Avenue
Saint Louis, MO 63108

Address:

4901 Forest Park Avenue Floor 6
Saint Louis, MO 63108

Some issues Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD can help you with:

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

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.

diagnostic procedures	11
doctor visit	171
excision	80
eye procedures	640
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	47
plastic surgery procedures	141
reconstructive surgery	23
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	80
tissue transfer	23
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	35

**Gender**
Male	198
Female	234

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	377
Black	39
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	176
From 75 to 84	139
85 and over	68
Less than 65	49

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	31
Dementia	7
Cancer	13

diagnostic procedures	24
doctor visit	333
excision	40
eye procedures	442
injections	26
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	43
minimally invasive procedures	26
plastic surgery procedures	144
reconstructive surgery	14
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	40
tissue transfer	14
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	13

**Gender**
Male	204
Female	272

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	415
Black	43
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	195
From 75 to 84	158
85 and over	76
Less than 65	47

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	38
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	31
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

diagnostic procedures	25
doctor visit	594
excision	56
eye procedures	195
injections	41
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	72
minimally invasive procedures	41
plastic surgery procedures	76
reconstructive surgery	18
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	56
tissue transfer	18
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	17

**Gender**
Male	454
Female	562

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	878
Black	100
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	418
From 75 to 84	332
85 and over	152
Less than 65	114

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	33
Dementia	9
Cancer	12

**Gender**
Male	176
Female	278

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	404
Black	27
Hispanic	0
Asian	11
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	195
From 75 to 84	145
85 and over	73
Less than 65	41

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	27
Dementia	12
Cancer	12

diagnostic procedures	13
doctor visit	480
excision	50
eye procedures	184
injections	62
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	36
minimally invasive procedures	62
plastic surgery procedures	79
reconstructive surgery	24
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	50
tissue transfer	24
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	23

**Gender**
Male	179
Female	269

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	406
Black	28
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	193
From 75 to 84	145
85 and over	68
Less than 65	42

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	28
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

doctor visit	526
excision	61
eye procedures	235
injections	71
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	38
minimally invasive procedures	71
plastic surgery procedures	124
reconstructive surgery	43
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	61
tissue transfer	43
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	42

**Gender**
Male	217
Female	284

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	446
Black	31
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	221
From 75 to 84	157
85 and over	78
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	25
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

doctor visit	499
excision	60
eye procedures	196
injections	80
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	15
minimally invasive procedures	80
plastic surgery procedures	94
reconstructive surgery	21
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	60
tissue transfer	21
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	20

**Gender**
Male	189
Female	285

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	430
Black	26
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	200
From 75 to 84	179
85 and over	57
Less than 65	38

Hypertension	67
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	26
Dementia	8
Cancer	14

doctor visit	376
excision	23
eye procedures	79
injections	73
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	16
minimally invasive procedures	73
plastic surgery procedures	15
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	23

**Gender**
Male	131
Female	217

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	314
Black	21
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	145
From 75 to 84	126
85 and over	48
Less than 65	29

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	22
Dementia	10
Cancer	15

doctor visit	688
excision	48
eye procedures	242
injections	168
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	27
minimally invasive procedures	168
plastic surgery procedures	93
reconstructive surgery	27
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	48
tissue transfer	27
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	26

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO were eye procedures, plastic surgery procedures, minimally invasive procedures and injections.

cyst removal	10
diagnostic procedures	18
doctor visit	468
excision	54
eye procedures	272
injections	71
lacrimal (tearing system) procedures	39
minimally invasive procedures	71
plastic surgery procedures	99
reconstructive surgery	25
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	54
tissue transfer	25
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	26

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD.

**Gender**
Male	174
Female	240

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	31
Asian / Pacific Islander	1
Non-Hispanic White	367
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	138
85 and over	62
Less than 65	40
65 to 74	174

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	54
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	6
Osteoporosis	7
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	22
Atrial Fibrillation	9
Cancer	10
Dementia	7

Education & Training

Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD graduated from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed residency at Mayo Clinic. He is certified by the Board Certification: Ophthalmology/Ophthalmology and has a state license in Missouri.

Medical School: University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

Residency: Mayo Clinic

Board Certification: Board Certification: Ophthalmology/Ophthalmology

Licensed In: Missouri

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Washington University Physicians

BJC HealthCare

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital

Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL)

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna US Access, Aetna National Advantage Program, Aetna Elect Choice, Aetna Open Choice PPO, United Healthcare, Aetna Open Access HMO, Aetna, MHBP, Aetna Choice POS II, Humana, Aetna Select, Aetna Elect Choice EPO, Coventry, Cigna, Blue California, Aetna Open Access PPO, Aetna Medicare HMO and Aetna Medicare PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Aetna US Access

Aetna National Advantage Program

Aetna Elect Choice

Aetna Open Choice PPO

United Healthcare

Aetna Open Access HMO

Aetna

MHBP

Aetna Choice POS II

Humana

Aetna Select

Aetna Elect Choice EPO

Coventry

Cigna

Blue California

Aetna Open Access PPO

Aetna Medicare HMO

Aetna Medicare PPO

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Horizon Therapeutics plc	$1,000 TEPEZZA $936	$65
Stryker Corporation	$558 Orbital $137	Universal Mandible $103	NSE Sonopet $97	MEDPOR $72	Allograft Bio Implants $58	Other $90
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc	$152 Dysport 300 U-1 $152
GLAUKOS CORPORATION	$128 Non-Covered Product $128
Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Inc.	$124 Tecnis 1-piece IOL $124
Other	$158 Flowable $106	AcrySof $52

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$2,055
Consulting Fee	$65

Research Payments

Dr. Steven Michael Couch, MD has received 5 research payments totaling $728,348.

Biography

Dr. Steven Couch is a specialist in plastic surgery and pediatric ophthalmology in Saint Louis, MO and Creve Coeur, MO. His areas of expertise include the following: facial problems, cosmetic eyelid surgery, and thyroid problems. Dr. Couch studied medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. His professional affiliations include Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, Washington University Physicians, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.