RICHARD MICHAEL THUNDER M.D.
NPI 1780602276
Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine in La Jolla, CA

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Richard Thunder is registered with Medicare but maybe doesn't accept claims assignment. If you are a Medicare beneficiary call and confirm with the provider before seeking any services.

Richard Thunder 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: 1355399148

  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: I20050107000896

  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? Maybe

  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 288 times for 132 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 18 times for 14 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 113 times for 105 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 1,019 times for 544 patients

Hip replacement

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where a worn-out or damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. This procedure can greatly reduce pain and improve mobility. It's often recommended when other treatments like physical therapy or medications fail to alleviate symptoms.

This service was performed for 11 patients

Hyaluronan or derivative, orthovisc, for intra-articular injection, per dose

Orthovisc is a treatment involving injections of a substance called hyaluronan into your joints. Hyaluronan is a natural substance in your joint fluid that aids in movement and reduces pain. The Orthovisc injections help replenish this substance, relieving joint pain.

This service was performed 125 times for 37 patients

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 70 minutes

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 70 minutes, refers to the daily medical service provided to patients admitted to the hospital. This includes a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment plan, and monitoring of your health condition. It ensures your well-being during your hospital stay.

This service was performed 45 times for 45 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 161 times for 112 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 1,449 times for 215 patients

Knee replacement

A knee replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased knee joint is replaced with an artificial one. This can relieve pain and improve mobility. The procedure involves removing damaged parts of the knee and inserting a prosthetic joint. Recovery may take several weeks.

This service was performed for 16 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 37 patients

Lower limb (leg) arthroscopy (minimally invasive joint repair)

Lower limb arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine and repair issues in your leg joints. It involves making small incisions through which a tiny camera and instruments are inserted. This technique can help diagnose and treat various joint problems with less pain and quicker recovery time.

This service was performed for 1-10 patients

Mri scan of leg joint without contrast

An MRI scan of your leg joint is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the structures within your leg. This helps doctors diagnose or monitor conditions without using contrast dye.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Mri scan of lower spinal canal without contrast

An MRI scan of the lower spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your lower spine. This helps identify issues like disc problems, tumors, or nerve conditions. No dye is used.

This service was performed 27 times for 27 patients

Mri scan of upper spinal canal without contrast

An MRI scan of the upper spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your upper spine. This helps doctors identify issues such as injuries, infections or diseases. No dye is used.

This service was performed 13 times for 13 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 167 times for 167 patients

Replacement of thigh bone and hip joint with prosthesis

This procedure, known as hip arthroplasty, involves replacing your damaged thigh bone and hip joint with artificial parts, called a prosthesis. It helps relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

This service was performed 13 times for 11 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 12 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 37 times for 33 patients

Telephone medical discussion with physician, 21-30 minutes

This service involves a 21-30 minute phone conversation with a physician. It's a chance for you to discuss your health concerns, symptoms or treatment plans. It's similar to an in-person consultation, but conducted over the phone for your convenience and safety.

This service was performed 14 times for 14 patients

X-ray of ankle, minimum of 3 views

An ankle X-ray is a quick, painless imaging test. It involves capturing at least three different images or 'views' of your ankle using small amounts of radiation. These images help identify any abnormalities or injuries, such as fractures or arthritis.

This service was performed 21 times for 13 patients

X-ray of both hips, 2 views

An X-ray of both hips, 2 views, is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed pictures of your hip joints. This procedure helps to detect fractures, infections, or other abnormalities in the hip area. Two different angles will be captured for a comprehensive assessment.

This service was performed 99 times for 84 patients

X-ray of both hips, 3-4 views

An X-ray of both hips with 3-4 views is a safe imaging procedure. It involves capturing multiple pictures of your hip joints from different angles. This helps in diagnosing conditions like arthritis or fractures. You'll need to stay still during the process for clear images.

This service was performed 12 times for 12 patients

X-ray of both knees while standing

An X-ray of both knees while standing is a diagnostic procedure that captures images of your knee joints. You'll stand in front of an X-ray machine, and it will take pictures showing the bones and tissues in your knees. This helps doctors identify any abnormalities or injuries.

This service was performed 14 times for 14 patients

X-ray of knee, 1-2 views

An X-ray of the knee with 1-2 views is a quick, painless test that produces images of the knee bones. It helps identify fractures, infections, or changes in the knee joint. During the procedure, you'll be asked to stay still while the X-ray machine captures the images.

This service was performed 23 times for 18 patients

X-ray of knee, 3 views

An X-ray of the knee, 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the knee from three different angles. This helps medical professionals to diagnose and monitor conditions like arthritis, fractures, or infections. The process is quick and painless.

This service was performed 87 times for 78 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 140 times for 131 patients

X-ray of middle spine, 2 views

An X-ray of the middle spine, or thoracic spine, involves capturing two different images of the area. This non-invasive procedure uses small amounts of radiation to visualize the bones and tissues in your back, helping to identify any abnormalities or injuries.

This service was performed 20 times for 19 patients

X-ray of shoulder, minimum of 2 views

An X-ray of the shoulder, with a minimum of 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of your shoulder bones. This helps in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The procedure is quick and painless.

This service was performed 44 times for 29 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 38 times for 38 patients

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