HELENE SAFFER M.D.
NPI 1164491353
Pathology - Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology in La Mesa, CA

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Helene Saffer 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.

Helene Saffer 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: 1850566480

  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: I20111209000694

  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.

Blood smear interpretation by physician with written report

Blood smear interpretation is a lab test where your doctor examines a sample of your blood under a microscope. They look for abnormalities in your blood cells which can help diagnose various conditions. You'll receive a written report of the findings.

This service was performed 47 times for 44 patients

Bone marrow, smear interpretation

Bone marrow smear interpretation is a procedure where a small sample of your bone marrow is taken and examined under a microscope. This helps doctors identify any abnormal cells or signs of diseases such as anemia, leukemia, or infections. It's a crucial step in diagnosing various blood disorders.

This service was performed 68 times for 68 patients

Cell examination of specimen, concentration technique

Cell examination of a specimen using a concentration technique is a lab process that enhances the detection of cells in a sample. This method helps to focus on key areas of the sample, making it easier to spot abnormalities or changes. It's a crucial part of diagnosing and monitoring certain health conditions.

This service was performed 21 times for 21 patients

Cell examination of specimen, selective cellular enhancement technique

Cell examination of a specimen using selective cellular enhancement technique is a lab process that improves the visibility of certain cells in a sample. It helps in identifying abnormalities or diseases. The process is non-invasive, safe, and aids in accurate diagnosis.

This service was performed 24 times for 21 patients

Coagulation function screening test with interpretation and report

A coagulation function screening test is a type of blood test that checks how well your blood clots. It's important because clotting helps prevent excessive bleeding. The test results are interpreted and a report is provided to help guide your doctor's treatment plan.

This service was performed 11 times for 11 patients

Examination of archival tissue for genetic analysis

Examination of archival tissue for genetic analysis involves studying previously collected tissue samples. This process helps detect any genetic alterations that may be linked to certain diseases. It's a crucial step in understanding your health and planning appropriate treatments.

This service was performed 21 times for 20 patients

Flow cytometry technique for dna or cell analysis, 16 or more markers

Flow cytometry is a method used to measure and analyze cells. It uses a beam of light to detect up to 16 or more markers on cells, helping to identify their type, function, or abnormalities. This technique aids in diagnosing various health conditions.

This service was performed 89 times for 87 patients

Microscopic genetic analysis of tumor, manual

Microscopic genetic analysis of a tumor involves examining your tumor's genes under a microscope. This helps identify specific genetic changes in the tumor cells. This information can aid in diagnosing, predicting disease progression, and determining the most effective treatment options.

This service was performed 126 times for 53 patients

Microscopic genetic analysis of tumor, manual

Microscopic genetic analysis of a tumor involves examining your tumor's genes under a microscope. This helps identify specific genetic changes in the tumor cells. This information can aid in diagnosing, predicting disease progression, and determining the most effective treatment options.

This service was performed 29 times for 13 patients

Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, intermediate complexity

A pathology examination of tissue with intermediate complexity involves studying a small sample of your body tissue under a microscope. This helps in identifying any abnormal cells or signs of disease. It's a detailed process requiring expert analysis to ensure accurate results.

This service was performed 232 times for 137 patients

Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, intermediate complexity

A pathology examination of tissue with intermediate complexity involves studying a small sample of your body tissue under a microscope. This helps in identifying any abnormal cells or signs of disease. It's a detailed process requiring expert analysis to ensure accurate results.

This service was performed 48 times for 37 patients

Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, limited examination

A pathology examination of tissue using a microscope is a procedure where a small sample of your tissue is observed under a microscope. This limited examination helps identify any abnormal cells or signs of disease, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

This service was performed 22 times for 21 patients

Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, moderately high complexity

A pathology examination of tissue with moderate complexity involves a detailed study of a small tissue sample from your body. Using a microscope, experts analyze the tissue's structure and cells to identify any abnormalities. This helps in diagnosing various health conditions accurately.

This service was performed 46 times for 36 patients

Pathology examination of tissue using a microscope, moderately low complexity

A pathology examination of tissue, moderately low complexity, involves studying a small sample of your body tissue under a microscope. It helps to identify any abnormal cells or diseases. It's a routine procedure, not complex, and provides crucial insights for your diagnosis.

This service was performed 31 times for 30 patients

Preparation of tissue for examination by removing any calcium present

This procedure involves treating tissue samples to remove any calcium, which can interfere with the examination. The tissue is soaked in a special solution that safely dissolves the calcium, leaving the tissue intact for accurate analysis. This helps in making precise diagnoses.

This service was performed 77 times for 73 patients

Special stained specimen slides to examine tissue including interpretation and report

Special stained specimen slides are used to examine tissue samples. This involves applying special dyes to the tissue, which helps to highlight certain features under a microscope. The findings are then interpreted and a report is provided. This can aid in diagnosing various health conditions.

This service was performed 229 times for 77 patients

Special stained specimen slides to examine tissue, each additional procedure

Special stained specimen slides are used to analyze tissue in detail. In this process, extra procedures may be needed for a more thorough examination. These involve applying special stains to the tissue on slides, enhancing specific elements for closer study.

This service was performed 217 times for 62 patients

Special stained specimen slides to examine tissue, initial procedure

This procedure involves the use of specially stained slides to examine tissue samples. The initial process involves obtaining a small tissue sample from your body. This sample is then placed on a slide and stained with special dyes to highlight different structures and elements. The stained slide is then examined under a microscope to help diagnose any potential health issues.

This service was performed 107 times for 77 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $35.05 for a new patient copayment and $27.1 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 91942 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 87.2, 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 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: 87.2 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: 73.86

  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: 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.

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NPI Validation Check Digit Calculation

The following table explains the step by step NPI number validation process using the ISO standard Luhn algorithm.

The NPI number 1164491353 is valid because the calculated check digit 3 using the Luhn validation algorithm matches the last digit of the original NPI number.

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Frequently Asked Questions