DR. NICOLAS ZEA M.D.
NPI 1083855050
Surgery - Vascular Surgery in Austin, TX

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Nicolas Zea is registered with Medicare and accepts claims assignment, this means the provider accepts the approved amount for the cost of rendered services as full payment. Participating providers may not charge beneficiaries more than the approved amount for their services. Please keep in mind that beneficiaries still have to pay a coinsurance or copayment amount for a visit or service.

Nicolas Zea is enrolled in PECOS and is eligible to order or refer health care services for Medicare patients. The provider is eligible to order or refer: Part B Clinical Laboratory and Imaging, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), a Home Health Agency (HHA) and Power Mobility Devices.

What is PECOS?
PECOS is the online Medicare enrollment management system or Provider, Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System. The PECOS system is a database of providers who have registered with CMS as providers or suppliers. PECOS is the primary source of information about verified Medicare professionals. Providers that want to participate in this program need to enroll in PECOS with their NPI number to avoid denied claims.

• Is the provider registered in PECOS? Yes

• PECOS PAC ID: 2062636855

  What is the PECOS Associate Control ID?
  A PAC ID is a unique 10-digit number assigned to an individual or organization healthcare provider in PECOS. The PAC ID is used to link together all the provider information, like tax identification numbers and organizational names. A PAC ID can be connected to multiple Enrollment IDs if an individual or organization has enrolled in PECOS more than once.

• PECOS Enrollment ID: I20210715004148, I20241121000119

  What is the Provider Enrollment ID?
  The Enrollment ID is a unique alphanumeric 15-digit code assigned to each new provider's PECOS enrollment application. The Enrollment ID is used to link together all the provider enrollment information like enrollment type, state, provider specialty, and reassignment of benefits.

• Accepts Medicare Assignment? Yes

  What does it mean "accepts medicare assignment"?
  When a provider accepts Medicare assignment, the provider agrees to be paid directly by Medicare and to accept the payment amount approved by Medicare. Additionally, the provider agrees to not bill patients for more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance amounts.
  A provider who doesn't accept assignment may charge you up to 15% over the Medicare-approved amount. This is known as the limiting charge. You may have to pay this amount, or it may be covered by another insurer.

• Eligible to Order or Refer Part B Clinical Laboratory and Imaging: Yes

• Eligible to Order or Refer Durable Medical Equipment (DMEPOS): Yes

• Eligible to Order or Refer a Home Health Agency (HHA): Yes

• Eligible to Order or Refer Power Mobility Devices: Yes

Areas of Expertise

The following services and procedures, recently provided to Medicare patients, illustrate the range of care this provider offers. This list reflects the variety of services available to all patients visiting the practice and is based on 2022 Medicare dataset. In general, the more frequently a provider treats specific conditions or performs particular procedures, the more experienced they become in addressing similar patient needs. The provider has delivered many of the services listed below to Medicare patients. Please note that this list does not include services provided to patients who are not covered by Medicare.

Balloon dilation of dialysis segment with review by radiologist

Balloon dilation of a dialysis segment is a procedure where a tiny balloon is inserted and inflated in a narrowed area of your dialysis access site, improving blood flow. A radiologist reviews images to ensure success.

This service was performed 12 times for 11 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes

This is a routine visit for patients who have already been seen by the healthcare provider. During this approximately 20-29 minute appointment, your health status will be evaluated and any necessary treatments or tests will be discussed. It's a chance to address any health concerns you may have.

This service was performed 37 times for 33 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously visited our clinic. It involves a comprehensive review of your health and any ongoing treatments. The consultation lasts between 30-39 minutes, allowing enough time to discuss any concerns.

This service was performed 16 times for 15 patients

Fluoroscopic guidance for insertion or removal of central vein access device

Fluoroscopic guidance for central vein access device insertion or removal is a procedure where a special X-ray, called a fluoroscope, is used to help accurately place or remove a device in a central vein. This device aids in delivering medications or collecting blood samples.

This service was performed 12 times for 12 patients

Imaging guidance for procedure, 60 minutes or less

Imaging guidance is a procedure where real-time images are used to direct medical tools during a treatment. This technique helps to improve accuracy and safety. The procedure typically lasts 60 minutes or less.

This service was performed 14 times for 14 patients

Insertion of needle and/or tube into hemodialysis circuit and balloon dilation of dialysis segment with review by radiologist

This procedure involves inserting a needle or tube into your hemodialysis circuit, a system that cleans your blood when your kidneys can't. A balloon is then used to widen a narrow section of this circuit. A radiologist reviews the procedure to ensure accuracy.

This service was performed 17 times for 17 patients

Insertion of needle and/or tube into hemodialysis circuit and balloon dilation of dialysis segment with review by radiologist

This procedure involves inserting a needle or tube into your hemodialysis circuit, a system that cleans your blood when your kidneys can't. A balloon is then used to widen a narrow section of this circuit. A radiologist reviews the procedure to ensure accuracy.

This service was performed 22 times for 22 patients

Insertion of needle and/or tube into hemodialysis circuit with review by radiologist

This procedure involves inserting a needle or tube into your hemodialysis circuit, which is part of the system that cleans your blood when your kidneys can't. A radiologist, a doctor specialized in imaging techniques, will review the process to ensure everything is correct.

This service was performed 18 times for 18 patients

Leg revascularization (restoring blood flow)

Leg revascularization is a procedure aimed at restoring proper blood flow to your legs. It's often needed when blood vessels in your legs are blocked or narrowed. The process may involve surgery or less invasive methods to remove or bypass blockages, helping to alleviate pain and prevent serious complications.

This service was performed for 30 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes

This service involves an initial office or outpatient visit for a new patient. The healthcare professional will spend 30-44 minutes understanding your health history, current issues, and discussing possible treatment plans. It's a comprehensive evaluation to start your healthcare journey.

This service was performed 11 times for 11 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes

This is a first-time office or outpatient visit lasting between 45-59 minutes. The healthcare provider evaluates your health, discusses your medical history, and may suggest further tests or treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions and understand your health better.

This service was performed 49 times for 49 patients

Relocation of arm vein with connection to arm artery for hemodialysis

This procedure involves moving a vein in your arm and connecting it to an artery. This creates a larger, stronger vein that can be used for hemodialysis, a treatment for kidney disease. It helps clean your blood when your kidneys can't.

This service was performed 12 times for 11 patients

Removal of blood clot from hemodialysis graft

The removal of a blood clot from a hemodialysis graft is a procedure to ensure smooth blood flow for dialysis. A special catheter is inserted into the graft to dissolve and remove the clot. This helps keep the graft open and functioning properly for dialysis treatments.

This service was performed 16 times for 14 patients

Removal of tunneled central venous tube

A tunneled central venous tube removal is a procedure to take out a long, thin tube that was previously placed in a large vein in your body. This tube helps deliver medication or nutrition. The removal is usually quick and done under local anesthesia.

This service was performed 15 times for 15 patients

Review by radiologist of abdominal aorta image

This is a procedure where a radiologist, a doctor specialized in medical imaging, examines an image of your abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood to your lower body. The radiologist checks for any abnormalities to ensure your overall vascular health.

This service was performed 14 times for 12 patients

Review by radiologist of arm or leg artery image

This procedure involves a radiologist examining images of your arm or leg arteries. These images are obtained through a non-invasive method, like an ultrasound or CT scan. The radiologist reviews these images to identify any abnormalities, such as blockages or narrowing, which can affect blood flow.

This service was performed 20 times for 19 patients

Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at connecting two or more vertebrae in your spine to reduce pain and improve stability. It involves using a bone graft to cause the vertebrae to grow together, limiting the movement between them. This procedure is often performed to treat conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

This service was performed for 30 patients

Ultrasonic guidance during surgery

Ultrasonic guidance during surgery is a technique that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of your body. This helps the surgeon navigate and perform procedures more accurately, reducing the risk of complications. It's like a GPS for your body's internal structures.

This service was performed 23 times for 21 patients

Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access

Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access is a medical procedure where sound waves are used to create images of your blood vessels. This helps doctors to accurately locate and access the vessels for treatments or tests, ensuring safety and precision.

This service was performed 34 times for 29 patients

Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access

Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access is a medical procedure where sound waves are used to create images of your blood vessels. This helps doctors to accurately locate and access the vessels for treatments or tests, ensuring safety and precision.

This service was performed 30 times for 28 patients

Ultrasound of hemodialysis access

An ultrasound of hemodialysis access is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your dialysis access site. It helps monitor the access site's health and detect any potential issues like blockages or narrowing.

This service was performed 16 times for 14 patients

Ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries

An ultrasound study of arm and leg arteries is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your arteries. It helps in checking blood flow, identifying blockages, or detecting other abnormalities in your arteries.

This service was performed 35 times for 30 patients

Use of a drug to induce depression of consciousness by physician performing a procedure (5 years or older), initial 15 minutes

This procedure involves a doctor administering a medication to reduce your consciousness during a procedure. This helps in managing discomfort and anxiety. The initial application lasts for 15 minutes and is for individuals aged 5 years or older.

This service was performed 71 times for 66 patients

Use of a drug to induce depression of consciousness by physician performing a procedure, each additional 15 minutes

This service involves a physician administering medication to lower your consciousness during a procedure. It's done for your comfort and safety. The drug's effects last about 15 minutes, so additional doses may be given as needed.

This service was performed 124 times for 61 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $22.25 for a new patient copayment and $17.98 for an established patient copayment.

The pricing information below displays the copayment minimum, maximum and average amount that patients under Medicare are charged when visiting this provider as a new or established patient. Please keep in mind that these prices are just for reference purposes, and the actual prices charged by the provider might be different.

For patients covered under private health plans the prices below are also useful as healthcare pricing for private insurance is usually established as a function of Medicare prices. Private insurance covered patients should check their individual plans to determine the exact pricing.

The prices below reflect the costs for new and established patients in the 78756 ZIP code area.

* The physician office visit costs information is generated by statistical analysis of similar providers in the same geographical area. The pricing information above IS NOT the amount charged by this provider.

Overall MIPS Quality Performance

The provider participated in CMS Quality Payment Program under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and has an overall final score of 79.84, based on four performance areas: quality, improvement activities, promoting interoperability, and cost. The purpose of this information is to help people with Medicare make informed decisions and incentivize doctors and clinicians to maximize performance. The provider also has detailed performance information the following quality measures: .

The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is a way providers could use to participate in CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP). The MIPS program affects clinician reimbursement for Part B covered professional services and also rewards them for improving the quality of patient care and outcomes.

• Final Score: 79.84 out of 100

  The MIPS program evaluates providers across multiple categories with a specific weight for each category resulting a in a MIPS final score that ranges from 0 to 100 points. The MIPS Final Score determines whether providers receive a negative, neutral or positive MIPS payment adjustment.
  
  

• Quality Score: 67.95

  The Quality category assesses providers performance on clinical practices and patient outcomes under the traditional MIPS program. The quality measures help identify the quality of healthcare processes, outcomes, and patient experiences. The Quality measure category compromises 40% providers final MPIS scores.
  
  There are six collection types for MIPS quality measures: Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs), MIPS Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs), Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) Measures, Medicare Part B claims measures, CMS Web Interface measures and The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for MIPS Survey.
  
  

• Promoting Interoperability Score: 96

  The Interoperability category measures the providers ability to use technology to exchange and make use of healthcare information in a way that is less burdensome and improves outcomes. The Interoperability measure category compromises 25% providers final MPIS scores.
  
  The MIPS Interoperability measure focuses on the use of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) to improve patient access health information, the exchange of information between clinicians and pharmacies and the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of healthcare data.

• Improvement Activities Score: 40

  The Improvement Activities performance category evaluates the providers participation in clinical activities that support the improvement of clinical practice, care delivery, and outcomes. Providers have the option to choose 2 to 4 activities from an inventory of over 100 improvement activities. Providers typically choose the activities that best fit their needs. The improvement activities measure category compromises 15% providers final MPIS scores.
  
  The Improvement measures aim to better patient engagement, patient safety and other areas of patient care. The Improvement Activities category compromises 15% of providers final MPIS scores.

• Cost Score: 48.52

  The Cost performance category asses the amount and types of services provided and how clinicians coordinate care and seek improvement of health outcomes by ensuring patients receive the appropriate services.
  
  Although providers don't determine the price of healthcare services they are important in delivering high-quality care at a reasonable cost. The Cost measures category compromises 20% of providers final MPIS scores.

• Cost Score: 48.52

  The Cost performance category asses the amount and types of services provided and how clinicians coordinate care and seek improvement of health outcomes by ensuring patients receive the appropriate services.
  
  Although providers don't determine the price of healthcare services they are important in delivering high-quality care at a reasonable cost. The Cost measures category compromises 20% of providers final MPIS scores.

MIPS Quality Measures

Find Provider Hospital Affiliations - Privileges

Doctors and physicians must apply for hospital privileges to treat patients at hospitals. Find out if your doctor has privileges to practice at your preferred hospital by using the hospital affiliation information below based on recent medical claims.

Hospital affiliation is identified through self-reporting data, inpatient, outpatient, physician and ancillary service claims linked by the medical claims NPI number and place of service code. Additionally, to further determine provider hospital affiliation the clinician must have provided services to at least three patients on three different dates in the last 12 months. Nicolas Zea is affiliated with the following medical facilities:

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