RICHARD LEE KERN JR. M.D.
NPI 1396819371
Neurological Surgery in Wichita Falls, TX

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Richard Kern 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.

Richard Kern 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: 2365643608

  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: I20170822000851

  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.

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 33 times for 31 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 34 times for 30 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 139 times for 124 patients

Fusion of spine bones through front of body with partial removal of disc, each additional disc

This procedure involves merging spine bones via the front of the body. A portion of each additional disc is removed to ease pressure and discomfort. This helps to stabilize the spine and improve mobility.

This service was performed 15 times for 14 patients

Fusion of upper spine bone with removal of disc and release of spinal cord or nerve, 1 disc

This procedure involves fusing together the bones in the upper spine to stabilize it. A disc is removed to ease pressure on the spinal cord or nerve. This helps reduce pain and improve mobility. This is a common treatment for certain spinal conditions.

This service was performed 31 times for 31 patients

Fusion of upper spine bone with removal of disc and release of spinal cord or nerve, each additional disc

This is a surgical procedure where the upper spine bones are joined together after removing a disc. This helps to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. If more discs need to be removed, the same process is repeated for each additional disc.

This service was performed 17 times for 15 patients

Fusion of upper spine bones through front of neck with partial removal of disc

This procedure involves fusing the upper spine bones via the front of the neck. A part of the disc is removed to ease pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

This service was performed 14 times for 14 patients

Insertion of cage or mesh device in disc space during spine fusion

During spine fusion, a cage or mesh device may be inserted into the disc space. This device aids in stabilizing the spine and promoting bone growth for fusion. It's a common and safe procedure used to treat conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs.

This service was performed 14 times for 14 patients

Insertion of cage or mesh device to spine bone and disc space during spine fusion

Spine fusion is a procedure to join two or more vertebrae. During this process, a cage or mesh device is inserted into the spine bone and disc space. This helps to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and improve functionality. The device acts as a bridge for new bone to grow on.

This service was performed 47 times for 32 patients

Laminectomy or laminotomy (partial removal of spine bones)

A laminectomy or laminotomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part of the bone in your spine, specifically the lamina, to alleviate pressure on your spinal cord or nerves. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility if you're suffering from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

This service was performed for 92 patients

Partial removal of spine bone with release of lower spinal cord and/or nerves, 1 segment

This procedure involves removing part of a spine bone to alleviate pressure on the lower spinal cord and/or nerves. It targets a single segment of the spine, improving mobility and reducing pain. It's a common treatment for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Physician or allowed practitioner certification for medicare-covered home health services under a home health plan of care (patient not present), including contacts with home health agency and review of reports of patient status required by physicians and

This is a service where a doctor or authorized practitioner certifies that you require Medicare-covered home health services. They will communicate with the home health agency and review reports on your health status to ensure you receive appropriate care. This does not involve an in-person visit.

This service was performed 35 times for 33 patients

Placement of stabilizing device to front, 2-3 spine bone segments

This procedure involves positioning a stabilizing device on the front of 2-3 segments of your spine. It's designed to provide support and stability to your spine, potentially alleviating discomfort and improving mobility.

This service was performed 30 times for 30 patients

Removal of growth of lower spine bone outside spine membrane

This procedure involves the surgical removal of an abnormal growth on the lower spine bone. The growth is located outside the protective membrane of the spine. The aim is to alleviate discomfort and prevent potential complications.

This service was performed 25 times for 25 patients

Removal of upper spine bone with release of spinal cord and/or nerves, anterior approach, single segment

This procedure involves removing a portion of bone from your upper spine through an anterior (front) approach to alleviate pressure on your spinal cord or nerves. It focuses on a single segment of the spine. This can help reduce pain and improve function.

This service was performed 14 times for 14 patients

Spinal fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at connecting two or more vertebrae in your spine to reduce pain and improve stability. It involves using a bone graft to cause the vertebrae to grow together, limiting the movement between them. This procedure is often performed to treat conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

This service was performed for 64 patients

Use of operating microscope

An operating microscope is a device that magnifies small areas, allowing surgeons to see fine details clearly during procedures. It's often used for delicate operations like eye or nerve surgery, improving precision and outcomes.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $31.6 for a new patient copayment and $17.13 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 76308 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 75, 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: 75 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: N/A

  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: N/A

  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. Richard Kern is affiliated with the following medical facilities:

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