ALEX CRUZ MD
NPI 1407242308
Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery of the Spine in Austin, TX

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Alex Cruz 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.

Alex Cruz 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: 2567886559

  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: I20210824000653

  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 27 times for 26 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 193 times for 161 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 231 times for 175 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 100 times for 86 patients

Fusion of spine in lower back

Fusion of the spine in the lower back, also known as lumbar spinal fusion, is a surgery aimed to join, or fuse, two or more vertebrae in your lower back. This procedure can help alleviate pain and improve stability by reducing movement between the vertebrae.

This service was performed 22 times for 22 patients

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 50 minutes

Initial hospital inpatient care is a service where a healthcare provider spends about 50 minutes per day overseeing your care while you're admitted in the hospital. This includes reviewing your health status, planning your treatment, and ensuring your safety and comfort.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 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 92 times for 23 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 25 times for 17 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 94 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 38 times for 38 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes

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 46 times for 46 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 127 times for 127 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes

This is a first-time patient visit where a healthcare professional spends 60-74 minutes with you. It involves a comprehensive evaluation, including your medical history and current health condition. They'll also advise on preventive health measures and formulate a treatment plan if needed.

This service was performed 33 times for 33 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 30 times for 30 patients

Partial removal of spine bone with release of spinal cord and/or nerves, each additional segment

This procedure involves the partial removal of a bone in your spine to alleviate pressure on your spinal cord or nerves. It may be performed on multiple spine segments depending on your condition. The aim is to improve mobility and reduce pain or discomfort.

This service was performed 17 times for 13 patients

Placement of stabilizing device to back of 1 spine bone in neck

This procedure involves positioning a stabilizing device onto a single spinal bone in the neck. The goal is to provide support and prevent movement that could cause discomfort or further injury. It's performed by trained specialists under anesthesia.

This service was performed 19 times for 19 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 81 patients

Treatment of upper end of broken thigh bone with placement of stabilizing device or prosthetic replacement

This procedure involves treating a fracture at the top of your thigh bone. A stabilizing device or prosthetic replacement is placed to aid in healing. This helps restore mobility and function while reducing pain. The treatment aims for a quick and safe recovery.

This service was performed 12 times for 12 patients

X-ray of hip, 2-3 views

An X-ray of the hip with 2-3 views is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the hip joint. These images help in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The process is quick and painless.

This service was performed 23 times for 15 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 222 times for 189 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 15 times for 14 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 50 times for 46 patients

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 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.

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. Alex Cruz is affiliated with the following medical facilities:

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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 1407242308 is valid because the calculated check digit 8 using the Luhn validation algorithm matches the last digit of the original NPI number.

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The following 20 providers are registered at the same or nearby location.

Frequently Asked Questions