Compare 276 neurologists in San Diego, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
276
Neurologists
100%
Accepting patients
72%
Most common: MD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
San Diego's healthcare runs on three competing systems: UC San Diego Health, Scripps Health, and Sharp HealthCare. Between them, they cover the county pretty thoroughly. The biotech corridor in Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley also means clinical trials are unusually accessible here for a city this size.
San Diego has 276 neurologists. The most common credential is MD (72%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
San Diego sprawls north-south along the coast, so healthcare access depends heavily on which part of the county you live in. The Hillcrest-Mission Valley corridor is the densest medical zone. North County residents look to Scripps Encinitas and Palomar Health in Escondido. South Bay patients use Sharp Chula Vista or cross into the Hillcrest hub. The trolley connects downtown to some hospital areas, but most patients drive.
Providers practice throughout San Diego. La Jolla is uC San Diego Health and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla make this a hub for specialty and research-driven care. Gaslamp Quarter is downtown providers serve the urban core, with Sharp Memorial and UC San Diego Health a short drive away. Pacific Beach is a younger, active community with walk-in clinics and easy access to Scripps and Sharp hospital systems. Hillcrest is home to Scripps Mercy Hospital and a strong network of LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare providers.
Nearby hospitals include UC San Diego Health, Scripps Mercy Hospital, and Sharp Memorial Hospital. Local training programs run through University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and San Diego State University. San Diego is a major biotech hub with over 1,100 life sciences companies in the region.
A first neurology visit includes a detailed neurological exam: the doctor tests your reflexes, coordination, balance, strength, sensation, and memory. They will review your symptoms, medical history, and any imaging. Additional tests like an MRI, EEG (brain wave recording), or nerve conduction study may be ordered. Bring a list of all medications and a detailed description of your symptoms.
If you're new to San Diego, pick a primary care doctor within one of the three big systems (UCSD, Scripps, or Sharp) before you need one. Walk-in urgent care is widely available, but establishing a PCP makes specialist access much faster.
See a neurologist for frequent or severe headaches, seizures, tremors, memory problems, numbness or tingling that does not go away, unexplained dizziness or balance issues, vision changes not explained by an eye exam, difficulty walking, or any condition involving the brain or nervous system that your PCP wants evaluated further.
Office visit copay: $30-75 · EEG: $200-1,000 · MRI (brain): $1,000-3,000 · Nerve conduction study: $500-1,500
Wildfire smoke from inland fires occasionally pushes into coastal neighborhoods. Allergy sufferers should know that San Diego's dry climate still produces significant pollen from non-native landscaping plants.
Neurologists diagnose the type of headache, identify triggers, and prescribe preventive medications that reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. They also rule out secondary causes that need different treatment.
Neurologists diagnose seizure disorders through EEG testing and brain imaging, prescribe anti-seizure medications, and adjust treatment to achieve the best seizure control with the fewest side effects.
MS is a complex neurological condition that requires ongoing specialist management. Neurologists prescribe disease-modifying therapies, monitor progression with MRI, and coordinate multidisciplinary care.
Tremor, stiffness, and slowness of movement may point to Parkinson disease or another movement disorder. Neurologists provide accurate diagnosis and manage medications to optimize motor function.
Tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the hands or feet can result from diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or autoimmune conditions. Neurologists identify the cause through nerve conduction studies and targeted testing.
San Diego, CA has 276 licensed neurologists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of neurologists in San Diego, CA are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Employer plans in San Diego lean toward Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and Kaiser (which operates its own facilities in Kearny Mesa and Clairemont). Medi-Cal is managed through San Diego County's Health and Human Services. Covered California offers multiple plan options, with Molina and Blue Shield as common choices.
Office visit copays range from $30 to $75. An EEG costs $200 to $1,000. A brain MRI runs $1,000 to $3,000. Nerve conduction studies range from $500 to $1,500. Actual costs in San Diego, CA depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Neurological tests like MRIs and EEGs usually require prior authorization. If you are prescribed newer migraine medications, ask your neurologist about manufacturer savings programs to lower costs.
San Diego healthcare is dominated by three systems: UC San Diego Health (academic, research-focused), Scripps Health (five hospital campuses, strong cardiology), and Sharp HealthCare (the largest system by patient volume). Most specialists are affiliated with one of these three, so your choice of PCP often determines your referral path.
MD stands for Doctor of Medicine and DO stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both are equivalent qualifications. In San Diego, CA, 72% hold the MD credential and 7% hold DO. The difference is in training pathway, not quality of care.
63% of neurologists in San Diego, CA accept Medicare. Medicare covers neurology visits, EEGs, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests when medically indicated. Newer migraine treatments (CGRP inhibitors) are covered under Part D but may require step therapy. You can filter for Medicare-accepting providers on FindClarity.
San Diego has one of the highest concentrations of TRICARE-accepting providers in the country, given the large military presence (Naval Base San Diego, Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar). Most major systems and many independent practices accept TRICARE Prime and Select.
North County (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido) has grown faster than its healthcare infrastructure. Scripps Encinitas and Palomar Health are the main hospital systems. Primary care wait times can be longer than in central San Diego, especially for new patients. Urgent care centers fill some of the gap.
Top accepted carriers in San Diego, CA include unitedhealthcare, medicare, anthem, molina, and centene.
Neurology visits are covered under specialist benefits. Tests like MRIs and EEGs usually require prior authorization from your insurance company. Many neurological conditions qualify as chronic conditions, which may mean lower out-of-pocket costs under your plan. Newer migraine medications (CGRP inhibitors) can be expensive. Ask your neurologist about insurance coverage and manufacturer savings programs.