ALKA SHARMA M.D.
NPI 1275737561
Internal Medicine - Nephrology in Alameda, CA

Provider Referred Orders for Durable Medical Equipment, Devices & Supplies

The following list reflects the services, supplies or durable medical equipment ordered by this provider to a DME supplier on behalf of patients. The information below is derived from Medicare claims data and reflects the BETOS category, HCPCS code information and the number times each service was submitted under the Medicare fee-for-service program.

Durable Medical Equipment

• DME-Other DME (DE017N)

  Blood glucose test or reagent strips for home blood glucose monitor, per 50 strips (HCPCS:A4253)

  9 DME suppliers used 54 Medicare Claims 117 Services Paid

• DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA000N)

  Lancets, per box of 100 (HCPCS:A4259)

  7 DME suppliers used 27 Medicare Claims 28 Services Paid

• DME-Other DME (DE000N)

  Powered pressure reducing mattress overlay/pad, alternating, with pump, includes heavy duty (HCPCS:E0181)

  1 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 11 Services Paid

• DME-Hospital Beds (DB000N)

  Hospital bed, semi-electric (head and foot adjustment), with any type side rails, with mattress (HCPCS:E0260)

  2 DME suppliers used 14 Medicare Claims 14 Services Paid

• DME-Hospital Beds (DB000N)

  Hospital bed, semi-electric (head and foot adjustment), without side rails, without mattress (HCPCS:E0295)

  3 DME suppliers used 20 Medicare Claims 21 Services Paid

• DME-Other DME (DE001N)

  Continuous positive airway pressure (cpap) device (HCPCS:E0601)

  1 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 11 Services Paid

• DME-Other DME (DE000N)

  Patient lift, hydraulic or mechanical, includes any seat, sling, strap(s) or pad(s) (HCPCS:E0630)

  2 DME suppliers used 13 Medicare Claims 13 Services Paid

• DME-Wheelchairs (DD000N)

  Standard wheelchair (HCPCS:K0001)

  2 DME suppliers used 17 Medicare Claims 17 Services Paid

• DME-Wheelchairs (DD000N)

  Lightweight wheelchair (HCPCS:K0003)

  2 DME suppliers used 16 Medicare Claims 18 Services Paid

• DME-Wheelchairs (DD021N)

  Elevating leg rests, pair (for use with capped rental wheelchair base) (HCPCS:K0195)

  1 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 11 Services Paid

• DME-Other DME (DE000N)

  Pharmacy dispensing fee for inhalation drug(s); per 30 days (HCPCS:Q0513)

  2 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 11 Services Paid

Drugs Administered Through DME

• DME-Drugs Administered Through DME (DG006N)

  Albuterol, up to 2.5 mg and ipratropium bromide, up to 0.5 mg, fda-approved final product, non-compounded, administered through dme (HCPCS:J7620)

  1 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 1320 Services Paid

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.

Administration of influenza virus vaccine

The administration of the influenza virus vaccine, also known as the flu shot, is a simple procedure to protect against the flu. A healthcare provider injects a small dose of the vaccine into your arm. This stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, which will help your body fight off the flu if exposed.

This service was performed 164 times for 151 patients

Administration of pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause severe infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The vaccine is given as an injection, typically in the arm. It's recommended for infants, older adults, and those with certain health conditions.

This service was performed 67 times for 67 patients

Annual wellness visit, includes a personalized prevention plan of service (pps), subsequent visit

An annual wellness visit is a yearly appointment with your primary care provider to create or update a personalized prevention plan. This plan helps prevent illness based on your current health and risk factors. It's a subsequent visit, meaning it follows an initial assessment.

This service was performed 74 times for 74 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 10-19 minutes

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously seen the doctor. During this 10-19 minute visit, the doctor will review your health status, discuss any concerns, and manage ongoing treatments or medications. It's a chance to ensure your health is on track.

This service was performed 21 times for 16 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 394 times for 177 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 818 times for 286 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 63 times for 47 patients

Hepatitis b vaccine, adult dosage (3 dose schedule)

The Hepatitis B vaccine for adults is given in a 3-dose schedule to protect against the Hepatitis B virus. The first dose is given, followed by a second dose 1 month later, and a final dose 6 months after the first. It helps your body develop immunity to the virus.

This service was performed 26 times for 15 patients

Influenza vaccine, quadrivalent inactivated, 0.5 ml dosage

The quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine is a shot given to protect against four strains of the flu virus. This 0.5 ml dosage helps your body develop immunity to the virus. It's an important step in preventing flu-related complications.

This service was performed 162 times for 149 patients

Physician or allowed practitioner supervision of a patient receiving medicare-covered services provided by a participating home health agency (patient not present) requiring complex and multidisciplinary care modalities involving regular physician or allow

This service involves a physician overseeing your care while you receive Medicare-covered services from a home health agency. The care you're receiving is complex and involves various disciplines. The physician isn't physically present but regularly supervises your treatment to ensure optimal health outcomes.

This service was performed 99 times for 37 patients

Pneumococcal vaccine, 13-valent

The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine is a shot that helps protect against 13 types of bacteria that can cause serious infections like pneumonia and meningitis. It's often recommended for children under 2 and adults over 65, or people with certain health conditions.

This service was performed 53 times for 53 patients

Pneumococcal vaccine, 23-valent

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is an injection that helps protect against serious infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It's vital for those at risk, like older adults or people with certain health conditions, to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

This service was performed 30 times for 30 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 44 times for 37 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 68 times for 48 patients

Transitional care management services for problem of high complexity

Transitional care management services are designed to ensure a smooth transition from a hospital to home or another care setting for patients with complex health issues. These services include medication management, patient education, and coordination with healthcare providers.

This service was performed 19 times for 17 patients

Transitional care management services for problem of moderate complexity

Transitional care management services focus on coordinating and managing your care after you leave the hospital. For moderate complexity problems, this involves managing your medications, arranging further treatments, and ensuring you have the necessary follow-ups.

This service was performed 11 times for 11 patients

Physician Visit Costs

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 94501 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 30, 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: 30 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 comprises 40% of a provider's final MIPS score.
  
  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 comprises 25% of a provider's final MIPS score.
  
  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 comprises 15% of a provider's final MIPS score.
  
  The Improvement measures aim to better patient engagement, patient safety and other areas of patient care. The Improvement Activities category comprises 15% of a provider's final MIPS score.

• Cost Score: 100

  The Cost performance category assesses 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 comprises 20% of a provider's final MIPS score.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions