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Email Us Email UsBoard Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Patient Care Liaison: Jackie (760) 681-4330
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
For many people, pain is a constant presence. It can make daily tasks difficult, or it can be entirely debilitating. The pain management doctors at Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics specialize in managing and treating acute and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Our patients are individuals who, along with their physicians, are seeking alternative, advanced treatment options for their unrelenting pain caused by injury, illness, or disease. Working together with you, we can help relieve or decrease your pain and assist your return to your daily activities.
Our specialties include:
We are committed to each of our patients – and the medical community – to be the best center for pain management in North County San Diego. Our accomplished team of physicians and specialists is devoted to providing you with the highest quality medical care. Treatment plans are designed to combat your pain – helping you return to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible.
Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reduces pain and restores function while focusing our care where it belongs – on you, the patient. When you need a pain management expert, turn to our experienced pain management doctors for quality, compassionate care.
NATHAN A. MILLER, M.D.
Nathan A. Miller, M.D. is a pioneer in the field of pain medicine with over a decade of experience treating patients in the North County San Diego area. Dr. Nathan Miller is a well-respected, compassionate physician who strives to help his patients regain their lives. He is Chief of Pain Medicine at Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas and is double-board certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine.
Dr. Miller completed his pain fellowship at the prestigious University of Virginia pain program. He is a diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners and a Qualified Medical Examiner in the State of California.
Dr. Miller is at the forefront in the treatment and management of a wide variety of acute and chronic pain disorders. He is a strong proponent of a multi-disciplinary approach in pain management to improve outcome and increase quality of life. With his knowledge and the use of advanced medicine, he has been able to help many patients who had little hope of a functional life. Dr. Miller specializes in difficult cases where other pain doctors have given up. He continues to stay current in the field of pain management and studies peer-review medical journals and literature. He is noted by his colleagues for his strong commitment to ethical patient care and compassion. He practices evidenced-based pain management.
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Patient Care Liaison: Jackie (760) 681-4330
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
For many people, pain is a constant presence. It can make daily tasks difficult, or it can be entirely debilitating. The pain management doctors at Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics specialize in managing and treating acute and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Our patients are individuals who, along with their physicians, are seeking alternative, advanced treatment options for their unrelenting pain caused by injury, illness, or disease. Working together with you, we can help relieve or decrease your pain and assist your return to your daily activities.
Our specialties include:
We are committed to each of our patients – and the medical community – to be the best center for pain management in North County San Diego. Our accomplished team of physicians and specialists is devoted to providing you with the highest quality medical care. Treatment plans are designed to combat your pain – helping you return to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible.
Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reduces pain and restores function while focusing our care where it belongs – on you, the patient. When you need a pain management expert, turn to our experienced pain management doctors for quality, compassionate care.
ANKUSH K. BANSAL, M.D.
Dr. Ankush Bansal is a double board-certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Physician (through the American Board of Anesthesiology) that has devoted his career to understanding complex and difficult-to-treat painful conditions. He has helped numerous patients with incapacitating pain improve their quality of life and regain function. He is actively involved in ongoing clinical research and multiple national medical societies including American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Society of Regional Anesthesia, and North American Neuromodulation Society. He has published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals including the Pain Medicine Journal. He is continually striving to find new and effective ways to treat chronic pain.
Dr. Bansal completed his undergraduate training at the University of Michigan where he studied the impact of exercise, nutrition, and movement on the human body. He completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Michigan Medical School. After enduring a chronic painful neck injury, he moved to Los Angeles to specialize in Anesthesiology and Chronic Interventional Pain Management through the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where he was mentored by some of the most renown figures in the field of Pain Medicine.
In the summer of 2018, he joined Coastal Pain Medical Group. He is dedicated to their mission of bringing the highest quality and compassionate pain services to their patients. He currently has medical and surgical privileges at Scripps Memorial Encinitas Hospital and Tri-City Medical Center. He has a particular interest in treating neck, back, trunk, pelvis, shoulder, hip, and knee pain through various medical, interventional, and regenerative techniques.
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Patient Care Liaison: Jackie (760) 681-4330
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
For many people, pain is a constant presence. It can make daily tasks difficult, or it can be entirely debilitating. The pain management doctors at Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics specialize in managing and treating acute and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Our patients are individuals who, along with their physicians, are seeking alternative, advanced treatment options for their unrelenting pain caused by injury, illness, or disease. Working together with you, we can help relieve or decrease your pain and assist your return to your daily activities.
Our specialties include:
We are committed to each of our patients – and the medical community – to be the best center for pain management in North County San Diego. Our accomplished team of physicians and specialists is devoted to providing you with the highest quality medical care. Treatment plans are designed to combat your pain – helping you return to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible.
Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reduces pain and restores function while focusing our care where it belongs – on you, the patient. When you need a pain management expert, turn to our experienced pain management doctors for quality, compassionate care.
ANKUSH K. BANSAL, M.D.
Dr. Ankush Bansal is a double board-certified Anesthesiologist and Interventional Pain Physician (through the American Board of Anesthesiology) that has devoted his career to understanding complex and difficult-to-treat painful conditions. He has helped numerous patients with incapacitating pain improve their quality of life and regain function. He is actively involved in ongoing clinical research and multiple national medical societies including American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, American Society of Regional Anesthesia, and North American Neuromodulation Society. He has published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals including the Pain Medicine Journal. He is continually striving to find new and effective ways to treat chronic pain.
Dr. Bansal completed his undergraduate training at the University of Michigan where he studied the impact of exercise, nutrition, and movement on the human body. He completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Michigan Medical School. After enduring a chronic painful neck injury, he moved to Los Angeles to specialize in Anesthesiology and Chronic Interventional Pain Management through the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) where he was mentored by some of the most renown figures in the field of Pain Medicine.
In the summer of 2018, he joined Coastal Pain Medical Group. He is dedicated to their mission of bringing the highest quality and compassionate pain services to their patients. He currently has medical and surgical privileges at Scripps Memorial Encinitas Hospital and Tri-City Medical Center. He has a particular interest in treating neck, back, trunk, pelvis, shoulder, hip, and knee pain through various medical, interventional, and regenerative techniques.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Patient Care Liaison: Crystal (760) 547-6537
About The Doctor
Dr. Yogesh Patel has dedicated his life to the eradication of pain. Dr. Patel practices evidence based medicine and the multi-disciplinary approach to pain management, giving his patients the most options and the best care possible. He has helped many patients with difficult and advanced debilitating pain conditions. Dr. Patel is double board certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine from the American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Patel is admired by his colleagues and adored by his patients. Dr. Patel trained at UCSD, one of the highest rated interventional pain fellowship programs in the country. There he trained with pioneers in the field of Pain Medicine, and developed a strong interest in patient education and prevention. At UCSD, he received outstanding acknowledgement in excellent patient care.
Dr. Patel is the founder of MyPainTools, a chronic pain education and prevention program. He feels that knowledge is empowerment, and that educated patients have the best chance for a pain-free lifestyle. Along with MyPainTools and the Coastal Pain eClub, he is actively developing programs to bring support groups and community education opportunities to North County. Dr. Patel has also worked extensively with other physicians and has placed strong emphasis on developing a strong working relationship with referring physicians with the end result of providing excellent and timely patient care.
Dr. Patel is at the forefront in the advances in pain management. He has a strong interest in research as well as the development of new and innovated treatments and techniques in pain medicine. He is dedicated to Coastal Pain’s mission to bring the highest quality, and compassionate pain services to North County. In his free time Dr. Patel devotes his time to his family and outdoor activities.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR:
Harish Hosalkar, M.D., FACS, FAAOS
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Pediatric)
Dr. Harish Hosalkar is a Board Certified orthopaedic surgeon in both the United States and India, and is licensed to practice medicine in the states of California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Washington State, Florida, and in United Kingdom and India. He brings expertise in hip joint preservation and arthritis prevention surgery that has previously been unavailable in this entire region. He is an accomplished Orthopedic Surgeon who is also trained in traumatology and complex fracture care, hip and pelvis reconstruction, limb-lengthening and deformity correction, children’s orthopedic problems, tumor surgery, and neuro-muscular orthopedic surgery including management of traumatic brain injury, stroke and spasticity.
Dr. Hosalkar is currently the director of Center for Hip Preservation and Children’s Orthopedics, Inc in San Diego and also the founder and director of the Hosalkar Institute for Joint Preservation and Injury care. He is one of the founding members of the Center for Hip Preservation at Tri-City Medical Center and the Deformity Correction and Amputation Prevention Center. He is also part of the Neuro-restoration team at Scripps Encinitas hospital and is on faculty at AO North America for Trauma. Dr. Hosalkar is affiliated with the Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego & Chula Vista, Scripps Encinitas, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Tri-City Medical Center, and Paradise Valley Hospital. He is also affiliated with several surgery centers in central and north San Diego.
Dr. Hosalkar has published extensively during his career and has an extensive list of peer reviewed publications, chapters, podium presentations, posters, instructional course lectures, specialty day meetings, and visiting professorships to his credit.
With almost 24 years of experience he has encountered numerous different clinical problems and has helped to impart that knowledge and experience by frequently lecturing and teaching medical students, residents, and practicing physicians in both the art and science of orthopedics and musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation. He has participated in administrative and leadership positions in health care at both the regional, national and international level.
Practice Specialties:
Menifee Chiropractic is a full service wellness clinic offering personalized, quality chiropractic care, spinal decompression, high power PEMF therapy, high power laser therapy, LED therapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, acupuncture, physiotherapy and x-rays. We specialize in personal and work injury rehabilitation, car accidents, sports injuries and effective care for the whole family.
About The Doctors:
Blake Caropino, D.C.
ABOUT THE DOCTORS:
Zachary Cohen, M.D.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Dr. Zachary C. Cohen, MD, is double Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Chronic Pain. His distinguished career includes a residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and a fellowship in Chronic Pain Medicine at the University of California San Diego, acclaimed by the American Academy of Pain Medicine. Dr. Cohen’s approach to pain management is multifaceted, addressing not just the physical aspects of pain but also the emotional challenges it presents. His comprehensive approach to pain management includes interventional spine and orthopedic procedures, minimally invasive surgery, and effective medication strategies. He specializes in alleviating conditions such as neck pain, headaches, lower back pain, and joint and nerve pain.
Dr. Cohen shares his expertise with other pain physicians, advocating for progressive methods in chronic pain management. His dedication to advancing the field of pain relief is matched only by his commitment to his patients.
Paul Lynch, M.D.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Dr. Lynch is a double board-certified and fellowship-trained pain management physician and anesthesiologist, with 17 years’ experience treating all types of chronic pain conditions. Throughout his career, Dr. Lynch has focused on providing comprehensive and evidenced-based treatment, with vigilant attention to the standard of care and best practices. Dr. Lynch continues to actively see patients in a clinical setting, treating the most complex and difficult chronic pain conditions. He has extensive experience performing interventional pain management procedures, including advanced procedures such as spinal cord stimulation, minimally invasive lumbar decompression, and sacroiliac joint fusion. Dr. Lynch is also focused on research and the advancement of chronic pain treatment, publishing over 30 journal articles relevant to pain management, specifically regarding the use of interventional procedures and practice of comprehensive pain management with responsible opioid prescribing. He has taught extensively across the country to other physicians regarding the same topics.
“My philosophy as a physician is to treat every patient as if they were my own mom or dad. When you walk into a patient room with this mentality, it can completely change your approach and interaction with the patient. While my care delivery is driven by medical knowledge, it is important to remember you are treating a person, not just another number. By bringing the focus back to “is this what I would do for my own mom?”, you reset your thinking to include not only your education and experience, but also compassion and human emotion. I became interested in pain management when I was in medical school, as I experienced my mother-in-law suffering from end-stage pancreatic cancer. I became completely enmeshed in her care and saw how vitally important it was to provide pain relief and comfort to a patient suffering from pain. I often still think of that experience in my day-to-day practice now, as I meet with patients and their family members. I can see myself in their shoes and know how desperately they want help for their loved one. My motivation as a physician is to provide the best possible care for these patients, knowing that is what I would want if it were my own mom or dad.”
Dr. Thomas Schweller, MD, is triple board certified neurologist in Neurology & Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Electroencephalogram (EEG). He is also a qualified medical evaluator (QME), independent medical examiner (IME) and agreed medical examiner (AME).
Dr. Schweller received his Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and completed is pediatric residency at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and his fellowship in Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
In 1988, Dr. Schweller began his private practice in San Diego which has consisted of private patients, AME’s, QME’s and independent medical examinations for the Department of Social Services, Social Security in neurology and pediatrics. He also served a clinical teaching appointment in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Neurology at Mercy Hospital, San Diego. Dr. Schweller has privileges at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR:
Mario Ammirati, M.D.
Board Certified Neurosurgeon/ Spine Surgeon
Dr. Mario Ammirati is a board-certified neurosurgeon who recently opened his private practice in Sorrento Valley (San Diego) after 20+ years of operating his own skull base surgery lab in Ohio. He has two clinics – one in Sorrento Valley and one in La Mesa. He performs surgery at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and Surgical Center of San Diego (and currently in the credentialing process for Paradise Valley Hospital and several more). He has 30+ years of neurosurgical and spine surgery experience; he has been published in 160+ medical journals and publications, and he has co-written the guidelines for the treatment of brain metastases and primary brain tumors for the American Neurosurgical and Cancer Associations. Newsweek Magazine published a physician-voted survey in which Dr. Ammirati was listed among the “Top 3% of Neurosurgeons in the U.S. in 2015.”
Dr. Ammirati has performed 4,000+ procedures on skull base and benign and malignant tumors in the brain and spine/lumbar. He’s known by his peers for correctly diagnosing and treating patients who were otherwise misdiagnosed (e.g. brain tumors hidden behind blood clots; normal pressure hydrocephalus misdiagnosed as dementia/Alzheimer’s). He takes personal injury cases, and has 20+ years of experience as a medical expert – providing IMEs and testifying for both plaintiff and defense attorneys.
He trained in neurosurgery at Northwestern University Medical School. Afterwards, he completed a 2-year fellowship with Professor Samii, the leading world expert in skull base neurosurgery. He contributed to writing the guidelines for the treatment of brain metastases and Brain Tumors on behalf of American Neurosurgical/Cancer Associations. Dr. Ammirati was one of the first neurosurgeons in the USA to use computers and intraoperative Computerized Tomography (CT) to place instrumentations (screws) in the spine, thereby decreasing the number of badly-positioned screws and hence the need for reoperation while optimizing patient outcomes.
Since the beginning of his career in 1989, Dr. Ammirati has personally trained more than 120 neurosurgery residents and fellows from all over the world in the delicate art of neurosurgery/skull base surgery and spine surgery. These surgeons have used the techniques that they learned from Dr. Ammirati at prestigious neurosurgical institutions such as, amongst others, Harvard and Cleveland Clinic. He is also one of the world’s foremost leaders in diagnosing, removing and treating benign brain tumors with care and precision, while prioritizing his patients’ quality of life and physical functions. He prides himself in being the most considerate doctor to his patients, who meet him at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
Dr. Ammirati’s treatment philosophy is based on adherence to the most up to date reliable scientific evidence that is tailored to the need of each individual/unique patient. Indeed, no guideline completely fits each unique patient.
Dr. Ammirati has contributed chapters on Skull Base Surgery in the last 3 editions of the #1 neurosurgery textbook in the world (Youman’s Neurological Surgery), and his contributions to the advances of medicine in general include authoring 13+ textbooks on skull base tumors and meningiomas, speaking at hundreds of conferences over 40 years, and publishing more than 165 peer-reviewed research papers that uncover and perpetually evolve techniques to improve outcomes and lives through neurosurgery.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR:
Robert Afra, M.D.
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Robert Afra is a San Diego-based orthopedic surgeon who is nationally renowned in sports medicine with expertise in treating shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle conditions. As the former Chief of Sports Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Afra has published extensively in professional journals and books and presented at conferences around the world, where he is considered a pioneer in the study of shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle injuries in athletes and active adults. Dr. Afra is also a specialist in cartilage issues and pain in knee cap disorders; he was named Co-Director of the International Patellofemoral Study Group Conference in San Diego in July 2011. As a sports medicine physician, he has managed and treated complex joint injuries and successfully guided patients back to peak performance levels.
Dr. Afra takes a customized approach to treat each of his patients. He provides comprehensive care to injured athletes, from sprain rehabilitation and muscle and ligament tear repairs to care for broken bones. He regularly cares for children and active adults with injuries to the upper extremities (shoulders, elbows, and wrists) and lower extremities (hips, knees, and ankles). His joint replacement practice consists of shoulder replacement, hip replacement, and knee replacement surgery, including minimally invasive surgery techniques and traditional joint replacement surgery when necessary.
Dr. Afra completed his fellowship training in sports medicine at Boston University, where he treated a variety of elite college athletes in ice hockey, soccer, basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. Dr. Afra was a researcher at University of Hawaii’s Queen Emme Medical Center in the field of muscle and nerve physiology, and was a surgical fellow at the world-renowned Barnard O’Brien Microsurgical Institute in Melbourne, Australia. He has studied microsurgical techniques and the art of plastic surgery. Dr. Afra studied medicine at UCLA, where he also completed his surgery internship. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Afra worked at the Salk Institute on an NIH research stipend. In 2010, Dr. Robert Afra was selected by the Arthroscopy Association of North America, a premiere sports medicine society, as one of three surgeons to lecture to university faculty in the United States and Canada.
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