MR. CHRISTOPHER S LICHTENWALTER M.D.
NPI 1275582132
Internal Medicine - Cardiovascular Disease in Mesa, AZ

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Christopher Lichtenwalter 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.

Christopher Lichtenwalter 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: 9436190063

  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: I20100721000114

  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.

Anticoagulant management of patient taking warfarin

Anticoagulant management with warfarin involves monitoring and adjusting your medication to prevent blood clots while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Regular blood tests measure your response to warfarin, helping adjust your dose if necessary. It's crucial to maintain a consistent diet and promptly report any changes in your health.

This service was performed 346 times for 44 patients

Blood test, clotting time

A clotting time blood test helps determine how quickly your blood forms clots, a process crucial to stop bleeding. During the test, a small blood sample is taken from your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to see how long it takes for a clot to form.

This service was performed 286 times for 35 patients

Chronic care management services for two or more chronic conditions, additional 20 minutes of clinical staff time directed by health care professional, per calendar month

Chronic Care Management services involve regular check-ins with healthcare professionals to manage two or more chronic conditions. It includes an additional 20 minutes of clinical staff time per month, directed by a healthcare professional, to ensure optimal health management.

This service was performed 994 times for 402 patients

Chronic care management services, first 20 minutes of clinical staff time directed by health care professional, per calendar month

Chronic care management services involve a healthcare professional directing clinical staff in managing your chronic conditions. This includes the first 20 minutes per month of services like medication management, care coordination, and health monitoring to help improve your health and quality of life.

This service was performed 1,183 times for 477 patients

Coronary angioplasty and stenting

Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a procedure to open narrowed or blocked heart arteries. A thin tube is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the leg or arm, and guided to the heart. A small balloon at the end of the tube is inflated to widen the artery. A stent, a small wire mesh tube, may be placed in the artery to keep it open.

This service was performed for 111 patients

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgery to improve blood flow to your heart. It involves taking a blood vessel from another part of your body and using it to reroute blood around a blocked or narrowed artery in your heart. This can help reduce chest pain and minimize the risk of heart attacks.

This service was performed for 1-10 patients

Electrocardiogram (ecg) 2-day continuous with review and report by health care professional

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart. In a 2-day continuous ECG, sensors attached to your chest monitor your heart's rhythm over 48 hours. A healthcare professional then reviews the data to identify any irregularities.

This service was performed 192 times for 161 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 2,350 times for 1,037 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 574 times for 335 patients

Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with electrocardiogram (ecg) with supervision and review by physician

An exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG is a procedure performed by a doctor to assess how your heart responds to exertion. It involves monitoring your heart's electrical activity while you exercise or after medication is given to mimic exercise effects.

This service was performed 428 times for 408 patients

External shock to heart to regulate heart beat

This procedure, known as cardioversion, uses an external electrical shock to restore your heart's normal rhythm. It's typically performed when irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, are causing severe symptoms and aren't responding to medications.

This service was performed 27 times for 23 patients

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day, typically 25 minutes

Follow-up hospital inpatient care involves daily check-ups while you're admitted in the hospital. Typically, a healthcare provider spends about 25 minutes each day reviewing your condition, adjusting treatment if needed, and answering any questions you might have.

This service was performed 53 times for 34 patients

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day, typically 35 minutes

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day typically involves a 35-minute check-up by your healthcare provider. This service includes monitoring your health progress, adjusting your treatment plan if needed, and answering any questions you may have about your condition or care.

This service was performed 63 times for 41 patients

Heart rhythm recording continous external ekg over more than 48 hours up to 7 days

This procedure involves wearing a device, an external EKG, for up to 7 days to continuously monitor your heart rhythm. It helps detect irregularities that may not occur during a standard EKG. The device is non-invasive and safe.

This service was performed 174 times for 159 patients

Heart rhythm review, and interpretation of continous external ekg over more than 48 hours up to 7 days

A heart rhythm review involves monitoring your heart's electrical activity for more than 48 hours up to 7 days. Using a device called an external EKG, doctors can track your heartbeats to detect irregularities and help diagnose heart conditions.

This service was performed 173 times for 158 patients

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 70 minutes

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 70 minutes, refers to the daily medical service provided to patients admitted to the hospital. This includes a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment plan, and monitoring of your health condition. It ensures your well-being during your hospital stay.

This service was performed 32 times for 31 patients

Injection, regadenoson, 0.1 mg

Regadenoson injection, 0.1 mg, is a medication used to help visualize the heart during a stress test. It works by increasing blood flow in the arteries of the heart. It's injected into a vein and is generally well-tolerated.

This service was performed 984 times for 241 patients

Insertion of stents with balloon dilation of coronary artery or branch, single artery or branch

This procedure involves placing a small, mesh tube (stent) in your coronary artery to keep it open. A balloon is used to expand the stent and artery, improving blood flow to your heart. It's typically done for a single artery or branch.

This service was performed 65 times for 48 patients

Insertion of tube in coronary artery for diagnosis with review by radiologist

This procedure involves placing a small tube into your coronary artery. It helps to identify any blockages or issues within the artery. A radiologist, a doctor specialized in medical imaging, will review the results to ensure accurate diagnosis.

This service was performed 15 times for 15 patients

Insertion of tube in left lower heart chamber and coronary artery for diagnosis with review by radiologist

This procedure involves placing a tube into your left lower heart chamber and coronary artery. It helps doctors diagnose heart conditions by allowing them to view these areas in detail. A radiologist will review the images to ensure accurate diagnosis.

This service was performed 75 times for 74 patients

Insertion of tube in left lower heart chamber, coronary artery and bypass graft for diagnosis with review by radiologist

This procedure involves placing a tube into your left lower heart chamber, coronary artery, and bypass graft. It's done for diagnostic purposes and is carefully reviewed by a radiologist. This helps determine the health of your heart and arteries, aiding in future treatment plans.

This service was performed 20 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 1-10 patients

Management using the results of remote vital sign monitoring per calendar month, each additional 20 minutes

This service involves analyzing your vital signs, like heart rate and blood pressure, remotely collected over a month. Each additional 20 minutes spent on management refers to extra time spent reviewing, interpreting your data, and planning your care. It's a critical part of ensuring your wellbeing.

This service was performed 3,227 times for 528 patients

Management using the results of remote vital sign monitoring per calendar month, first 20 minutes

This service involves reviewing and managing your health data, which is remotely monitored and collected. Your vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure are tracked regularly throughout the month. The first 20 minutes of this data analysis per month is included in this service.

This service was performed 2,007 times for 549 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 124 times for 124 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes

This is a first-time patient visit where a healthcare professional spends 60-74 minutes with you. It involves a comprehensive evaluation, including your medical history and current health condition. They'll also advise on preventive health measures and formulate a treatment plan if needed.

This service was performed 56 times for 56 patients

Nuclear medicine studies of heart muscle at rest and with stress and spect

Nuclear medicine studies of the heart involve two parts: rest and stress. During rest, images are taken of your heart at ease. During stress, images are taken after exercise or medication-induced stress. SPECT is a special imaging technique providing 3D pictures of your heart, helping identify any issues.

This service was performed 383 times for 376 patients

Pacemaker insertion or repair

Pacemaker insertion or repair is a procedure to help regulate your heartbeat. A small device, called a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin near your heart. This device sends electrical signals to prompt your heart to beat at a normal rate. In a repair procedure, the pacemaker may be adjusted, replaced, or the wires connecting it to your heart may be fixed.

This service was performed for 1-10 patients

Remote monitoring of physiologic parameters, initial set-up and patient education on use of equipment

Remote monitoring of physiologic parameters involves using special equipment to track vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure from a distance. The initial set-up includes installing the device and teaching the patient how to use it correctly for accurate readings.

This service was performed 453 times for 444 patients

Remote monitoring of physiologic parameters, initial supply of devices with daily recordings or programmed alerts transmission, each 30 days

This service involves using devices to remotely track body functions like heart rate or blood pressure. These devices, provided initially, record data daily or send alerts if readings are abnormal. The service is renewed every 30 days.

This service was performed 2,092 times for 556 patients

Routine electrocardiogram (ecg) using at least 12 leads with interpretation and report

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that records your heart's electrical activity. Using 12 leads attached to your body, it captures data to help identify heart conditions. A doctor interprets the results and provides a report.

This service was performed 1,218 times for 881 patients

Tc-99m from non-highly enriched uranium source, full cost recovery add-on, per study dose

Tc-99m is a safe radioactive substance used in medical imaging to help diagnose conditions. It's produced from non-highly enriched uranium. The full cost recovery add-on means the total cost of producing and using Tc-99m is included in your bill per study dose.

This service was performed 355 times for 349 patients

Technetium tc-99m sestamibi, diagnostic, per study dose

Technetium Tc-99m Sestamibi is a diagnostic test used to create images of your heart or breast tissues. It involves a safe radioactive substance injection that helps doctors to detect any abnormalities or changes in these tissues.

This service was performed 178 times for 89 patients

Technetium tc-99m tetrofosmin, diagnostic, per study dose

Technetium Tc-99m Tetrofosmin is a radiopharmaceutical used in diagnostic imaging. It helps highlight areas of concern in the heart by emitting signals captured by a special camera. This assists doctors in detecting heart conditions.

This service was performed 594 times for 296 patients

Telephone medical discussion with physician, 11-20 minutes

This is a service where you have a phone conversation with your doctor for 11-20 minutes. It's used for discussing health concerns, reviewing test results, or managing ongoing conditions. It's a convenient way to receive medical advice without an in-person visit.

This service was performed 81 times for 68 patients

Telephone medical discussion with physician, 5-10 minutes

A telephone medical discussion with a physician is a brief, 5-10 minute call where you can discuss your health concerns. It's a convenient way to receive medical advice without needing to visit a clinic. It's important to prepare questions in advance to make the most of this time.

This service was performed 35 times for 35 patients

Ultrasound evaluation of heart blood vessel during diagnosis or treatment, each additional vessel

This procedure involves using ultrasound to examine additional heart blood vessels during diagnosis or treatment. It helps doctors visualize the structure and function of your heart, ensuring precise evaluation and care.

This service was performed 37 times for 31 patients

Ultrasound evaluation of heart blood vessel during diagnosis or treatment, initial vessel

This procedure involves using ultrasound technology to examine the first blood vessel of your heart. It helps identify any abnormalities or issues, providing crucial information for diagnosis or treatment. It's a safe, non-invasive process.

This service was performed 46 times for 46 patients

Ultrasound evaluation of heart blood vessel or graft with review by radiologist, each additional vessel

This procedure involves using ultrasound technology to evaluate the condition of your heart's blood vessels or graft. A radiologist reviews the images to check for any abnormalities. If additional vessels need to be examined, the process is repeated.

This service was performed 20 times for 18 patients

Ultrasound evaluation of heart blood vessel or graft with review by radiologist, initial vessel

This procedure involves using ultrasound technology to examine the first vessel of your heart or graft. A radiologist will review the images. It's a non-invasive way to check the health of your heart's blood vessels.

This service was performed 53 times for 52 patients

Ultrasound of both sides of head and neck blood flow

An ultrasound of the head and neck blood flow is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels. It helps detect abnormalities like blockages or clots, ensuring optimal blood flow.

This service was performed 233 times for 222 patients

Ultrasound of heart blood flow, valves and chambers

An ultrasound of your heart, also known as an echocardiogram, is a test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. It helps doctors check the health of your heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow.

This service was performed 49 times for 44 patients

Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate and valve function

An ultrasound of the heart, also known as an echocardiogram, uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart. It shows the structure, movement, and blood flow within your heart. This helps assess the heart's health and function, including the valves and rate.

This service was performed 50 times for 45 patients

Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction and valve function

This is a heart ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram. It uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, showing how blood flows through it. The color depicts the blood flow's speed and direction. It also checks the heart's valves to ensure they're working properly.

This service was performed 92 times for 91 patients

Ultrasound of heart with color-depicted blood flow, rate, direction and valve function

This is a heart ultrasound, also known as an echocardiogram. It uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart, showing how blood flows through it. The color depicts the blood flow's speed and direction. It also checks the heart's valves to ensure they're working properly.

This service was performed 587 times for 541 patients

Ultrasound of heart with probe in esophagus, with report

This procedure, called a transesophageal echocardiogram, uses a small probe passed into your esophagus to capture detailed images of your heart. The report provides information about your heart's structure and function.

This service was performed 51 times for 46 patients

Ultrasound of leg arteries or artery grafts

An ultrasound of leg arteries or artery grafts is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside your body, specifically your leg arteries or grafts. This helps in detecting any blockages or abnormalities.

This service was performed 52 times for 50 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 54 times for 51 patients

Ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers

An ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your veins. This helps identify blood clots or other vein problems. During the procedure, pressure is applied to the veins and certain movements are performed to assess blood flow.

This service was performed 24 times for 24 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 143 times for 135 patients

Varicose vein removal

Varicose vein removal is a procedure to eliminate enlarged and twisted veins, commonly found in legs. It's performed when these veins cause discomfort or skin problems. The procedure may involve laser treatment, sclerotherapy (injecting a solution to close the veins), or surgery to remove the veins. It's generally safe and helps to alleviate symptoms.

This service was performed for 1-10 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $31.92 for a new patient copayment and $17.31 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 85209 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 15.18, 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: 15.18 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: 0

  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: N/A

  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: 0

  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: 50.63

  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: 50.63

  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.

Quality Reporting

The provider participated in CMS Quality Payment Program. The Quality Payment Program aims to improve population health, reduce costs and improve the care received by Medicare beneficiaries. The following quality measures meet Medicare's statistical reporting standards. Not all providers report the same information, because not all providers give the same services to patients. The quality information is just a snapshot of some the care providers give to their patients. Reporting more or less information is not a reflection of quality.

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