DR. THOMAS JOSEPH WHALEN III M.D.
NPI 1134120645
Anesthesiology - Pain Medicine in Albuquerque, NM

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Thomas Whalen 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

• 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.

Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from large joint

This procedure involves using a needle to remove (aspiration) or introduce (injection) fluid into a large joint like the knee or hip. It can help diagnose conditions, relieve discomfort, or deliver medication directly to the joint.

This service was performed 37 times for 19 patients

Destruction of lower or sacral spinal facet joint nerves using imaging guidance, each additional facet joint

This procedure involves using imaging technology to locate and treat nerves in your lower spine or sacral area that may be causing pain. Each additional facet joint refers to treating more than one spinal nerve. It's a non-invasive way to manage chronic back pain.

This service was performed 61 times for 18 patients

Destruction of lower or sacral spinal facet joint nerves using imaging guidance, single facet joint

This procedure involves using imaging guidance to accurately target and destroy nerves in the lower or sacral spinal facet joint. It's done to relieve chronic back pain. The process is safe and usually effective.

This service was performed 25 times for 18 patients

Destruction of upper or middle spinal facet joint nerves using imaging guidance, each additional facet joint

This procedure involves the use of imaging technology to accurately target and destroy nerves in the upper or middle spinal facet joints, which may be causing pain. Each additional facet joint treated follows the same process.

This service was performed 61 times for 15 patients

Destruction of upper or middle spinal facet joint nerves using imaging guidance, single facet joint

This procedure involves the use of imaging technology to guide a needle to the nerves of a single facet joint in the upper or middle spine. The nerves are then treated to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

This service was performed 25 times for 15 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 20 times for 14 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 413 times for 80 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 40-54 minutes

This service involves a follow-up appointment for existing patients, lasting between 40 to 54 minutes. During this time, your healthcare provider will assess your current health status, discuss any changes or concerns, review your treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.

This service was performed 54 times for 35 patients

Injection of anesthetic or steroid into joint between lower spine and hip bone using imaging guidance

This procedure involves injecting medicine into the joint where your lower spine meets your hip bone. Using special imaging technology, the doctor ensures the medicine is delivered accurately. This can help reduce pain and inflammation in that area.

This service was performed 18 times for 13 patients

Injection of chemical for paralysis of facial and neck nerve muscles on both sides of face

This procedure involves injecting a chemical into specific facial and neck muscles, causing temporary paralysis. This helps reduce muscle activity and can alleviate certain medical conditions. Both sides of the face are treated for a balanced result.

This service was performed 30 times for 11 patients

Injection of trigger points, 3 or more muscles

Trigger point injection therapy involves injecting medication into specific areas of your muscles, known as trigger points. These are areas that produce pain and discomfort. If you have three or more muscles affected, each will be treated individually.

This service was performed 36 times for 15 patients

Injection, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 1 mg

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a medication given via injection. It is a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as allergies, skin conditions, arthritis, and more.

This service was performed 630 times for 28 patients

Injection, fentanyl citrate, 0.1 mg

Fentanyl citrate is a potent pain medication administered via injection. The 0.1 mg dosage is used to manage severe pain conditions. It works by blocking pain signals to the brain. It's crucial to follow the dosage instructions to prevent potential side effects.

This service was performed 47 times for 19 patients

Injection, midazolam hydrochloride, per 1 mg

Midazolam hydrochloride is a medication injected to help you relax or sleep before surgery or certain medical procedures. It works by calming the brain and nerves. It's given in small doses, measured in milligrams (mg).

This service was performed 211 times for 39 patients

Injection, onabotulinumtoxina, 1 unit

Onabotulinumtoxina, also known as Botox, is a medication injected into muscles. It's used to treat various conditions by blocking nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity. The units refer to the dosage.

This service was performed 6,000 times for 11 patients

Injection, ondansetron hydrochloride, per 1 mg

Ondansetron hydrochloride is a medication given via injection to help prevent nausea and vomiting, often due to chemotherapy or surgery. It works by blocking certain chemicals in the body that trigger these symptoms.

This service was performed 68 times for 11 patients

Injection, propofol, 10 mg

Propofol is a medication given via injection to help you relax or sleep during surgery or other medical procedures. The 10 mg dosage refers to the amount of medication you'll receive. It's administered by a healthcare professional and monitored closely for safety.

This service was performed 153 times for 21 patients

Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, not otherwise specified, 10 mg

Triamcinolone acetonide is a medication used to reduce inflammation in the body. It's given as a 10 mg injection for conditions like allergies, arthritis, or skin problems. The injection helps to decrease swelling, redness, and itching.

This service was performed 219 times for 19 patients

Testing for presence of drug, read by direct observation

Testing for the presence of drugs involves collecting a sample, usually urine, which is then analyzed for specific substances. The process is monitored directly to ensure accuracy and integrity. This test helps to confirm if drugs are present in your system.

This service was performed 386 times for 76 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 119 times for 43 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 142 times for 42 patients

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 97.58, 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 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: 97.58 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: 86.53

  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: 100

  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: N/A

  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: N/A

  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.

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