DR. RICARDO ALVARADO MD
NPI 1497935456
Pain Medicine - Pain Medicine in San Antonio, TX

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Ricardo Alvarado 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.

Ricardo Alvarado 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: 4789865791

  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: I20110224000170

  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 large joint using ultrasound guidance

This procedure involves using ultrasound technology to accurately locate a large joint, usually the knee or shoulder. A needle is then inserted to either extract fluid (aspiration) or inject medication. The ultrasound helps ensure precision and safety.

This service was performed 25 times for 16 patients

Care management services for behavioral health conditions, 20 minutes or more clinical staff time directed by health care professional

Care management for behavioral health involves a healthcare professional directing clinical staff to provide you with support for 20 minutes or more. This service can include planning your care, coordinating services, and managing your health conditions to improve your overall well-being.

This service was performed 1,025 times for 215 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 27 times for 19 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 28 times for 19 patients

Drug test(s), definitive, utilizing (1) drug identification methods able to identify individual drugs and distinguish between structural isomers (but not necessarily stereoisomers), including, but not limited to gc/ms (any type, single or tandem) and lc/ms

A definitive drug test identifies specific drugs in your system. It uses advanced methods like gc/ms and lc/ms, which can distinguish between different types of drugs but not necessarily their 3D forms. This test offers detailed results to support your healthcare decisions.

This service was performed 421 times for 182 patients

Electronic analysis reprogramming and refill of spinal canal drug infusion pump by physician

This procedure involves a physician checking and adjusting your spinal canal drug infusion pump. The pump's programming is updated electronically and the medication reservoir is refilled, ensuring effective pain management and optimal device performance.

This service was performed 55 times for 23 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 897 times for 168 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 386 times for 152 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 13 times for 11 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 33 times for 29 patients

Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle

This procedure involves administering medication directly under the skin or into a muscle. A small needle is used to inject the drug, allowing it to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It's a common method for delivering a variety of medications.

This service was performed 20 times for 14 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 37 times for 17 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 37 times for 17 patients

Injection of trigger points, 1-2 muscles

Trigger point injection is a procedure used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. 1-2 muscles are typically treated in one session. The procedure involves injecting medications into these points to alleviate pain.

This service was performed 34 times for 27 patients

Injection, baclofen, 10 mg

Baclofen 10 mg injection is a medication procedure to manage muscle spasms caused by certain conditions. It works by relaxing the muscles, reducing pain and improving movement. It's administered via injection by a healthcare professional.

This service was performed 117 times for 21 patients

Injection, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 1 mg

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a medication given via injection. It is a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as allergies, skin conditions, arthritis, and more.

This service was performed 227 times for 12 patients

Injection, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 1 mg

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a medication given via injection. It is a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as allergies, skin conditions, arthritis, and more.

This service was performed 164 times for 34 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 104 times for 23 patients

Injection, methylprednisolone sodium succinate, up to 125 mg

Methylprednisolone sodium succinate is a steroid medication injected into a muscle or vein. It helps reduce inflammation and immune response. It's used for various conditions like allergies, arthritis, breathing problems, or skin diseases. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions.

This service was performed 48 times for 14 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 37 times for 37 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 15 times for 15 patients

Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of established patient that may not require presence of healthcare professional

This service involves an outpatient visit for established patients who may not need direct interaction with a healthcare professional. It could include reviewing test results, monitoring existing conditions, or adjusting treatment plans. It's typically done remotely, ensuring your comfort and convenience.

This service was performed 61 times for 59 patients

Osteopathic manipulative treatment, 1-2 body regions

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on method where doctors use their hands to diagnose and treat illnesses. For 1-2 body regions, the doctor focuses on specific areas like your back or neck, using techniques to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote healing.

This service was performed 21 times for 18 patients

Testing for presence of drug, by chemistry analyzers

Chemistry analyzers are used to detect the presence of drugs in your system. This test involves taking a small sample of your blood or urine. The sample is then analyzed for specific substances. The results help in understanding your health condition better.

This service was performed 429 times for 185 patients

Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement

Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement is a technique where sound waves create images that help accurately position the needle during procedures. This method ensures precision, minimizes discomfort, and increases safety.

This service was performed 47 times for 35 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 19 times for 12 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 $24.26 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 78228 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.

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