CHRISTOPHER D VIJE MD
NPI 1316009525
Pain Medicine - Interventional Pain Medicine in Austin, TX

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Christopher Vije 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 Vije 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: 4688708936

  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: I20100823000472

  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.

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 118 times for 73 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 170 times for 50 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 86 times for 50 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 74 times for 23 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 37 times for 23 patients

Electronic analysis of implanted neurostimulator generator with complex spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulator programming

This procedure involves electronically analyzing an implanted neurostimulator. This device sends electrical pulses to your spinal cord or peripheral nerves to manage pain. The programming is complex, requiring expert analysis to ensure proper functioning.

This service was performed 21 times for 20 patients

Electronic analysis of implanted neurostimulator generator with complex spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulator programming

This procedure involves electronically analyzing an implanted neurostimulator. This device sends electrical pulses to your spinal cord or peripheral nerves to manage pain. The programming is complex, requiring expert analysis to ensure proper functioning.

This service was performed 54 times for 34 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 1,141 times for 343 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 45 times for 42 patients

Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement

Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement is a medical procedure that uses a special X-ray technology to help accurately place a needle in the body. It's often used in biopsies, injections or other treatments to ensure precision and safety.

This service was performed 136 times for 81 patients

Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root using imaging guidance, each additional level

This procedure involves injecting an anesthetic or steroid drug into the sacral spine nerve root. It's done under imaging guidance to ensure accuracy. The process can be repeated for each additional level of the spine to help manage pain or inflammation.

This service was performed 120 times for 76 patients

Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid drug into sacral spine nerve root using imaging guidance, single level

This procedure involves injecting a mix of numbing and anti-inflammatory medication into a specific nerve root in the lower back. It helps manage pain and reduce inflammation. The process is guided by imaging technology for precision.

This service was performed 203 times for 127 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 51 times for 40 patients

Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint using imaging guidance, second level

This procedure involves injecting medication into the facet joints of your lower or sacral spine to manage pain. Imaging guidance ensures accurate placement. It's the second level, meaning it's done on two different joint levels.

This service was performed 57 times for 34 patients

Injection of lower or sacral spine facet joint using imaging guidance, single level

This procedure involves injecting medication into the facet joint in your lower back or sacral spine. It's done under imaging guidance to ensure accuracy. The aim is to alleviate pain and inflammation. It's a safe, often effective method for managing spinal discomfort.

This service was performed 61 times for 36 patients

Injection of substance into lower spine canal using imaging guidance

This procedure involves injecting a substance into your lower spine canal, guided by real-time images. It's done to diagnose or treat various conditions. You may feel slight discomfort, but it's generally safe and can provide valuable information for your treatment plan.

This service was performed 57 times for 45 patients

Injection of substance into middle or upper spine canal using imaging guidance

This procedure involves injecting a substance into your middle or upper spine canal. It's performed under imaging guidance to ensure accuracy. The substance can help diagnose or treat various conditions, providing relief from symptoms.

This service was performed 33 times for 29 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 17 times for 11 patients

Injection of upper or middle spine facet joint using imaging guidance, second level

This procedure involves injecting medication into the upper or middle spine facet joint, a small joint in your back. This is done under imaging guidance for precision. It's a second-level procedure, meaning it's done on two separate joints. It can help reduce pain and inflammation.

This service was performed 30 times for 16 patients

Injection of upper or middle spine facet joint using imaging guidance, single level

This procedure involves injecting medication into a joint in your upper or middle spine. It's performed under imaging guidance for precision. The aim is to reduce inflammation and pain. It's a single-level process, meaning one joint is treated at a time.

This service was performed 30 times for 16 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 275 times for 153 patients

Injection, ketorolac tromethamine, per 15 mg

Ketorolac tromethamine is a medication administered through injection, often used to manage moderate to severe pain. Each 15 mg dose helps to reduce hormones causing inflammation and pain in the body. It is not recommended for long-term use.

This service was performed 202 times for 62 patients

Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 40 mg

Methylprednisolone acetate is a medication given through an injection. It's a type of corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat various conditions like arthritis, allergies, and skin diseases. This dose is 40 mg.

This service was performed 36 times for 26 patients

Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 80 mg

Methylprednisolone acetate is a strong anti-inflammatory medication. It is often given as an 80 mg injection to reduce inflammation and pain. It's commonly used for conditions like arthritis, allergic disorders, or other inflammatory diseases.

This service was performed 386 times for 214 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 436 times for 130 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 2,133 times for 201 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 58 times for 13 patients

Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, preservative-free, extended-release, microsphere formulation, 1 mg

Triamcinolone acetonide is a long-lasting, preservative-free steroid injection. It's delivered in tiny, slow-releasing particles (microspheres) to manage inflammation or related conditions. The dose given is 1 mg. It's generally safe with few side effects.

This service was performed 1,120 times for 18 patients

Insertion of needle into vein (3 years or older)

This procedure involves placing a small needle into a vein, typically in the arm. It's done to collect blood for testing or to deliver medication. You may feel a quick pinch, but it's usually over in seconds. It's a common, safe procedure.

This service was performed 22 times for 20 patients

Insertion of spinal neurostimulator electrode array through skin

This procedure involves placing a small device, called a neurostimulator electrode array, under your skin near your spine. It delivers mild electrical signals to your spinal cord, helping to manage chronic pain.

This service was performed 25 times for 13 patients

Insertion of spinal neurostimulator electrode array through skin

This procedure involves placing a small device, called a neurostimulator electrode array, under your skin near your spine. It delivers mild electrical signals to your spinal cord, helping to manage chronic pain.

This service was performed 36 times for 18 patients

Insertion of spinal neurostimulator generator or receiver

The insertion of a spinal neurostimulator generator or receiver is a procedure to manage chronic pain. A small device is implanted under your skin, which sends mild electrical signals to your spinal cord. These signals disrupt pain signals, helping to reduce discomfort.

This service was performed 19 times for 19 patients

Low osmolar contrast material, 200-299 mg/ml iodine concentration, per ml

Low osmolar contrast material with 200-299 mg/ml iodine concentration is a type of dye used in certain medical tests like CT scans or X-rays. It helps to highlight specific areas in your body, making them easier to see and examine. It's safe and commonly used.

This service was performed 2,827 times for 219 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 104 times for 104 patients

Treatment of broken spine bone with stabilizing device, each additional segment

This procedure involves the treatment of a fractured spine bone. A stabilizing device is used to support and secure each additional affected segment of the spine. This helps in proper alignment and promotes healing, enhancing your comfort and mobility.

This service was performed 15 times for 11 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 400 times for 204 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 265 times for 114 patients

X-ray of joint between lower spine and hip bone, 1-2 views

An X-ray of the joint between your lower spine and hip bone, with 1-2 views, is a quick, painless test that produces images of the inside of your body. It helps doctors check for any abnormalities or injuries in this area.

This service was performed 50 times for 39 patients

X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views

An X-ray of the lower and sacral spine involves capturing images of your lower back area, including the tailbone. This procedure helps in identifying problems like fractures, infections, or deformities. 2-3 different angle views provide a comprehensive picture.

This service was performed 258 times for 160 patients

X-ray of spine, 1 view

An X-ray of the spine, 1 view, is a quick and painless imaging procedure. It uses radiation to capture images of the bones in your spine. It helps in detecting issues like fractures, infections, or tumors. You'll be positioned, the machine captures the image, and you're done. It's a safe, routine procedure.

This service was performed 217 times for 88 patients

X-ray of upper spine, 2-3 views

An X-ray of the upper spine, with 2-3 views, is a painless procedure that employs a small amount of radiation to capture images of your neck and upper back. It assists in diagnosing conditions like arthritis, fractures, or spinal deformities.

This service was performed 37 times for 29 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $32.98 for a new patient copayment and $25.41 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 78738 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 85.89, 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: 85.89 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: 74.34

  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.

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. Christopher Vije is affiliated with the following medical facilities:

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