DR. NICHOLAS MANES CAGGIANO MD
NPI 1306133699
Surgery - Surgery of the Hand in San Luis Obispo, 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.

Orthotic Devices

• DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

  Wrist hand finger orthosis, without joint(s), prefabricated, off-the-shelf, any type (HCPCS:L3809)

  1 DME suppliers used 14 Medicare Claims 14 Services Paid

• DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

  Wrist hand orthosis, wrist extension control cock-up, non molded, prefabricated, off-the-shelf (HCPCS:L3908)

  1 DME suppliers used 73 Medicare Claims 85 Services Paid

• DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

  Hand finger orthosis, without joints, may include soft interface, straps, custom fabricated, includes fitting and adjustment (HCPCS:L3913)

  1 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 11 Services Paid

• DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

  Hand finger orthosis, without joints, may include soft interface, straps, prefabricated, off-the-shelf (HCPCS:L3924)

  1 DME suppliers used 52 Medicare Claims 69 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.

Application of elbow to finger cast

An elbow to finger cast is applied to immobilize the arm from the elbow down to the fingers. This aids in healing fractures or severe sprains. The cast, made from plaster or fiberglass, wraps around the arm, providing support and limiting movement to promote recovery.

This service was performed 27 times for 24 patients

Application of nonmoveable forearm to hand splint

The application of a non-moveable forearm to hand splint is a procedure where a rigid support is placed on your forearm and hand. This is done to stabilize the area, promote healing, and prevent further injury. It restricts movement, providing rest to the injured part.

This service was performed 30 times for 29 patients

Aspiration and/or injection of cyst of tendon

Aspiration and/or injection of a tendon cyst is a procedure where a needle is used to remove fluid from a cyst located in a tendon. In some cases, medication might be injected to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

This service was performed 12 times for 12 patients

Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from medium joint

This procedure involves a needle being inserted into a medium-sized joint, such as a knee or shoulder, to remove (aspirate) excess fluid. Sometimes, medication may also be injected into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.

This service was performed 38 times for 33 patients

Aspiration and/or injection of fluid from small joint

This procedure involves inserting a thin needle into a small joint to remove (aspirate) or inject fluid. It can help diagnose conditions, relieve discomfort, or administer medication directly into the joint. It's generally safe with minimal discomfort.

This service was performed 194 times for 150 patients

Cast supplies, short arm cast, adult (11 years +), fiberglass

A short arm cast, made from fiberglass, is often used for fractures or injuries to the wrist or forearm in adults and children over 11. It's lightweight, durable, and can be molded to fit your arm comfortably. This cast allows for limited movement while ensuring proper healing.

This service was performed 36 times for 25 patients

Cast supplies, short arm splint, adult (11 years +), fiberglass

A short arm splint, for adults and children aged 11+, is a support device made of fiberglass. It is applied to the lower part of the arm to immobilize it after an injury or surgery. It helps in healing by restricting movement and providing stability.

This service was performed 28 times for 27 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit with low level od decision making, if using time, 20 minutes or more

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 348 times for 298 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of decision making, if using time, 30 minutes or more

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 399 times for 325 patients

Incision of tendon covering of finger

This procedure involves making a small cut into the protective sheath around a finger tendon. It's typically done to relieve pressure or inflammation, improve finger movement, or treat conditions like trigger finger. It's a safe, often outpatient procedure.

This service was performed 33 times for 25 patients

Injection into tendon or ligament

An injection into a tendon or ligament involves placing medication directly into these areas to help reduce inflammation and pain. It's often used for conditions like arthritis or tendonitis. The procedure is quick and usually involves a local anesthetic.

This service was performed 353 times for 249 patients

Injection of carpal tunnel

An injection for carpal tunnel is a treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling in your wrist, which can alleviate pain and numbness. The doctor injects a steroid medication into your wrist area to provide relief.

This service was performed 17 times for 17 patients

Injection of medication into palm

An injection into the palm is a procedure where a healthcare provider inserts a small needle into your palm to deliver medication. This method targets specific areas, aiding in pain relief or treatment of certain conditions. The process is quick and is usually done under local anesthesia.

This service was performed 50 times for 29 patients

Injection, collagenase, clostridium histolyticum, 0.01 mg

This is an injection of a medication called collagenase clostridium histolyticum, used to treat certain medical conditions by breaking down collagen, a protein in the body. It helps to dissolve excess collagen and improve your condition.

This service was performed 4,500 times for 29 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 1,576 times for 404 patients

Manipulation of finger for connective tissue release following enzyme injection

This procedure involves injecting an enzyme into your finger to soften the connective tissue. Following the injection, your doctor will gently manipulate or move your finger. This helps to break down hardened tissue, improving finger mobility and reducing discomfort.

This service was performed 49 times for 29 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit with low level of medical decision making, if using time, 30 minutes or more

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 228 times for 228 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of medical decision making, if using time, 45 minutes or more

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 324 times for 324 patients

Partial release of connective tissue of palm

A partial release of connective tissue in the palm is a procedure to alleviate hand stiffness or pain. It involves making small incisions to relieve tension in the tissue, improving flexibility and reducing discomfort in the hand. This can help with conditions like Dupuytren's contracture.

This service was performed 11 times for 11 patients

Placement of single direction external bone stabilizing device to arm or leg

The placement of a single direction external bone stabilizing device involves attaching a supportive structure to your arm or leg. This procedure helps to stabilize a fracture or correct a deformity, promoting healing and alignment. It's a safe procedure conducted under anesthesia.

This service was performed 11 times for 11 patients

Release and/or relocation of hand nerve

This procedure involves adjusting or moving a nerve in your hand to alleviate discomfort or improve function. The nerve may be compressed, causing pain or numbness. By releasing or relocating the nerve, these symptoms can be reduced, enhancing hand usage.

This service was performed 78 times for 73 patients

Release of hand muscle

A release of hand muscle is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pressure or tension in the hand muscles. It's often done to treat conditions that limit hand movement or cause pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure involves making an incision to free up the affected muscle, thereby improving hand function and reducing discomfort.

This service was performed 20 times for 19 patients

Removal of bone joints between wrist and fingers

This procedure involves the surgical removal of bone joints between your wrist and fingers. It's typically done to relieve pain or restore function due to conditions like arthritis. After removal, the space may be filled with a graft or artificial joint.

This service was performed 17 times for 15 patients

Removal of connective tissue of palm and release of finger, first digit

This procedure involves removing certain tissue in your palm to alleviate tension, and releasing the first digit (thumb) if it's constricted. It's done to improve hand function and reduce discomfort. It's a common treatment for conditions like Dupuytren's contracture.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Removal of growth of tendon finger or hand

This procedure involves the surgical removal of abnormal growths on tendons in the finger or hand. These growths can cause discomfort or restrict movement. The process aims to alleviate pain and restore function to the affected area. It's done under anesthesia.

This service was performed 19 times for 17 patients

Removal of wrist bone

Removal of a wrist bone, also known as wrist arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to alleviate pain and improve function. It involves removing a damaged or diseased bone in the wrist and may involve replacing it with a prosthetic. This procedure can help restore mobility and quality of life.

This service was performed 18 times for 15 patients

X-ray of finger, minimum of 2 views

An X-ray of the finger involves capturing images of your finger from at least two different angles. This non-invasive procedure helps in visualizing the bones and joints, aiding in the diagnosis of fractures, infections, or other abnormalities. Minimal discomfort may be experienced.

This service was performed 270 times for 213 patients

X-ray of hand, 2 views

An X-ray of the hand, 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the bones in your hand. Two different angles are captured to provide a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting your hand.

This service was performed 156 times for 119 patients

X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views

An X-ray of the hand, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones in your hand from different angles. This helps in diagnosing fractures, infections, arthritis, or other abnormalities. It's quick and painless.

This service was performed 39 times for 24 patients

X-ray of wrist, 2 views

An X-ray of the wrist, 2 views, is a diagnostic procedure where two different images of your wrist are taken using a small amount of radiation. This helps identify any abnormalities or injuries such as fractures or arthritis. It's a quick, non-invasive process.

This service was performed 179 times for 131 patients

X-ray of wrist, minimum of 3 views

An X-ray of the wrist, minimum of 3 views, is a diagnostic procedure that uses radiation to create images of your wrist from different angles. This helps detect fractures, infections, or other abnormalities for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

This service was performed 24 times for 20 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $22.91 for a new patient copayment and $18.56 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 93405 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 82.49, 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: 82.49 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: 76.46

  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: 93

  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: 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 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: 71

  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.

MIPS Quality Measures

Frequently Asked Questions