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Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE

Accepting New Patients
Specializes in: Adult Endocrinology
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Professional interests include: thyroid problems, adrenal disorders, pituitary tumor
5525 Grossmont Center Drive Floor 4
La Mesa, CA 91942

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE is an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA specializing in adult endocrinology. She graduated from University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE is affiliated with Sharp HealthCare.

View Doctor's Full Profile (619) 644-6815

Office Locations

Sharp HealthCare

5525 Grossmont Center Drive Floor 4
La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 644-6815
open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE can help you with:

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.

In The News 

“That's why prevention is so important," said Dr. Neelima Chu, an endocrinologist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital.”—"Warning: diabetes ahead", The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 2013

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2023

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

Top 25%

By Affordability:

diabetes screening

In 2012, Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE had a list price for diabetes screening that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% 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

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2012 were lab tests, diabetes management, preventive care and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

diabetes management 214
doctor visit 287
lab tests 214
preventive care 12
vaccines 12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2013 were lab tests and diabetes management.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

diabetes management 184
doctor visit 279
lab tests 184

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 59
Female 128
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 112
Black 20
Hispanic 38
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 96
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 47

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2013

Hypertension 75
High Cholesterol 71
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 33
Depression 27
Chronic Kidney Disease 36
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 14
Atrial Fibrilation 9
Heart Failure 25
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 9
Diabetes 67
Dementia 6
Cancer 7

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2014 were lab tests, preventive care, diabetes management and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

diabetes management 75
doctor visit 314
lab tests 214
preventive care 154
vaccines 15

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 63
Female 134
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 133
Black 14
Hispanic 34
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 103
From 75 to 84 0
85 and over 0
Less than 65 45

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2014

Hypertension 74
High Cholesterol 70
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 32
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 46
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 16
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 69
Dementia 6
Cancer 8

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2015 were preventive care, lab tests and vaccines.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 292
lab tests 186
preventive care 198
vaccines 12

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 112
Female 266
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 266
Black 30
Hispanic 52
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 212
From 75 to 84 74
85 and over 22
Less than 65 70

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2015

Hypertension 70
High Cholesterol 67
Stroke 6
Ischemic Heart Disease 29
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 43
Asthma 14
Osteoperosis 17
Atrial Fibrilation 11
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 12
Diabetes 65
Dementia 0
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2016 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 255
lab tests 175
preventive care 175

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 62
Female 117
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 127
Black 0
Hispanic 27
Asian 12
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 97
From 75 to 84 40
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2016

Hypertension 69
High Cholesterol 66
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 27
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 52
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 20
Atrial Fibrilation 9
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 10
Diabetes 63
Dementia 6
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2017 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 257
lab tests 158
preventive care 158

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 52
Female 120
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 127
Black 13
Hispanic 20
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 88
From 75 to 84 45
85 and over 11
Less than 65 28

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2017

Hypertension 70
High Cholesterol 60
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 26
Depression 22
Chronic Kidney Disease 59
Asthma 0
Osteoperosis 19
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 62
Dementia 0
Cancer 9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2018 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 305
lab tests 178
preventive care 178

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 68
Female 146
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 144
Black 0
Hispanic 33
Asian 16
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 113
From 75 to 84 50
85 and over 0
Less than 65 0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2018

Hypertension 66
High Cholesterol 65
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 28
Depression 23
Chronic Kidney Disease 56
Asthma 7
Osteoperosis 21
Atrial Fibrilation 6
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 61
Dementia 8
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2019 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 326
lab tests 174
preventive care 174

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 67
Female 169
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 151
Black 15
Hispanic 41
Asian 18
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 121
From 75 to 84 66
85 and over 11
Less than 65 38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2019

Hypertension 63
High Cholesterol 63
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 28
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 50
Asthma 8
Osteoperosis 28
Atrial Fibrilation 8
Heart Failure 21
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 53
Dementia 7
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2020 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 190
lab tests 74
preventive care 74

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 63
Female 165
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 160
Black 19
Hispanic 30
Asian 0
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 115
From 75 to 84 56
85 and over 17
Less than 65 40

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2020

Hypertension 64
High Cholesterol 59
Stroke 0
Ischemic Heart Disease 29
Depression 24
Chronic Kidney Disease 52
Asthma 9
Osteoperosis 19
Atrial Fibrilation 7
Heart Failure 20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 11
Diabetes 56
Dementia 7
Cancer 10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2021 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 274
lab tests 114
preventive care 114

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 67
Female 170
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 166
Black 13
Hispanic 30
Asian 17
Other 11
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 110
From 75 to 84 86
85 and over 14
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2021

Hypertension 64
High Cholesterol 54
Stroke 7
Ischemic Heart Disease 24
Depression 19
Chronic Kidney Disease 48
Asthma 5
Osteoperosis 20
Atrial Fibrilation 7
Heart Failure 20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 7
Diabetes 53
Dementia 5
Cancer 11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA during 2022 were lab tests and preventive care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

doctor visit 215
lab tests 89
preventive care 89

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 62
Female 150
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic White 148
Black 0
Hispanic 27
Asian 16
Other 0
Native American 0
Age
From 65 to 74 99
From 75 to 84 74
85 and over 12
Less than 65 27

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE in 2022

Hypertension 71
High Cholesterol 71
Stroke 5
Ischemic Heart Disease 22
Depression 21
Chronic Kidney Disease 37
Asthma 12
Osteoperosis 25
Atrial Fibrilation 11
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 53
Dementia 0
Cancer 13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated as an endocrinologist in La Mesa, CA were lab tests, diabetes management, preventive care and vaccines.

diabetes management 157
doctor visit 272
lab tests 160
preventive care 132
vaccines 13

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE.

Gender
Male 61
Female 142
Ethnicity
Black / African American 11
Asian / Pacific Islander 7
Non-Hispanic White 139
Hispanic 30
Native American / Alaskan Native 0
Other 1
Age
75 to 84 44
85 and over 7
Less than 65 29
65 to 74 104

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension 62
High Cholesterol 58
Stroke 1
Ischemic Heart Disease 25
Depression 21
Chronic Kidney Disease 43
Asthma 7
Osteoporosis 18
Heart Failure 18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 8
Diabetes 54
Atrial Fibrillation 7
Cancer 9
Dementia 4

Education & Training

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE graduated from University of Vermont College of Medicine. She completed residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. She is certified by the Endocrinology and has a state license in California.

Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine

Residency: Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center

Board Certification: Endocrinology

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Sharp HealthCare

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. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE appears to accept the following insurance providers: TRICARE, Cigna, Aetna, Self-Pay/Uninsured, Blue Shield of California, UnitedHealthcare, Sharp Health Plan, Anthem, Beech Street, Health Net, Medicare, HealthSmart, Humana and Whole Foods Market.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE accepts the following insurance providers:

TRICARE
Cigna
Aetna
Self-Pay/Uninsured
Blue Shield of California
UnitedHealthcare
Sharp Health Plan
Anthem
Beech Street
Health Net
Medicare
HealthSmart
Humana
Whole Foods Market

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 230 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE from all over the web to help you find the right in La Mesa, CA. 

5
Overall Rating
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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Neelima Vemuganti Chu, MD, FACE. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
GENZYME CORPORATION $160 THYROGEN
$160
MannKind Corporation $59 AFREZZA
$59
Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC $48 INVOKANA
$48
Horizon Therapeutics plc $24 TEPEZZA
$24
Amarin Pharma Inc. $20 Vascepa
$20
Other $32 t:slim X2 insulin pump
$20
$12
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $228
Gift $59
Education $57

Biography

Dr. Neelima Chu works as an adult endocrinology. Her education and training includes medical school at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and residency at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. These areas are among her clinical interests: thyroid problems, pituitary tumor, and adrenal disorders. Patient reviews placed Dr. Chu at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5). Dr. Chu usually is in-network for Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue California, as well as other insurance carriers. She is conversant in Telugu. She is affiliated with Sharp HealthCare. Sharp HealthCare reports that she is accepting new patients at her office in La Mesa, CA.

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