Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Mahmood Pazirandeh, MD, FACP, FACR
Rheumatology · San Diego, CA
Practice pattern: Clinical Cardiology
— Primarily office-based clinical cardiology
Low-engagement
Very High
DATA COVERAGE
Data in 4 of 4 federal sources
Measures public federal data availability — not provider quality
Informational, not a quality rating.
This page presents federal public records about Dr. Pazirandeh from CMS (NPPES, Open Payments, Medicare Provider Utilization, PECOS). It is not medical advice, an endorsement, or a judgment of clinical quality. Always consult the provider directly and a licensed clinician for medical decisions. Read methodology →
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What this data tells you about Dr. Pazirandeh
Dr. Mahmood Pazirandeh is a rheumatology specialist in San Diego, CA, with 20 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Pazirandeh performed 2,966 Medicare services across 1,219 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Pazirandeh received a total of $45,127 from 61 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 1581 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in rheumatology. Most payments are for meals and travel — low-value interactions common across virtually all practicing physicians. Patients may wish to discuss these relationships with their provider.
The Data Coverage level for Dr. Pazirandeh is Very High — reflecting how much public federal data is available about this provider. Patients are encouraged to use this data as one of several factors when choosing a healthcare provider.
✓ 20 years in practice
▲ Top 32% volume in CA
$45,127 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗2,966
Medicare services
Top 32% in CA for rheumatology
1,219
Unique beneficiaries
$53
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
~148 Medicare services per year of practice
Top procedures by volume
Ranked by number of services performed for Medicare patients. Avg. submitted charge is what the provider billed; avg. Medicare payment is what CMS paid.
| Procedure | Volume | Avg. paid | Avg. submitted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office visit, established patient (30-39 min) A follow-up office visit for an existing patient lasting between 30 and 39 minutes. The visit involves medical evaluation and management of the patient's condition. |
676 | $99 | $250 |
| Steroid injection (triamcinolone) A 10 mg injection of triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid medication. This code specifies the drug and dosage administered. |
537 | $1 | $2 |
| Lidocaine HCl injection for IV infusion, 10 mg Administration of a 10 mg dose of lidocaine hydrochloride via intravenous infusion. |
342 | $0 | $9 |
| Complete ultrasound scan of joint An ultrasound exam that uses sound waves to create detailed images of a joint. This procedure allows for the visualization of the joint's internal structures. |
235 | $45 | $161 |
| Ultrasound-guided large joint aspiration or injection This procedure uses ultrasound imaging to guide the removal of fluid from or the injection of medication into a large joint. |
191 | $99 | $199 |
| Office visit, established patient, complex (40-54 min) An office or outpatient visit for an existing patient lasting between 40 and 54 minutes. This level of service is determined by the total time spent on the date of the encounter. |
138 | $142 | $330 |
| Viscosupplementation injection for joint An injection of hyaluronic acid or a derivative into a joint to provide lubrication and cushioning. |
130 | $59 | $300 |
| X-ray of spine, 1 view A single-view X-ray image of the spine to visualize the bones and alignment. |
83 | $21 | $100 |
| Bone density scan (DEXA) A test that uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density in the hip, pelvis, and spine. It helps assess bone strength and risk of fractures. |
82 | $44 | $300 |
| Knee X-ray, 1-2 views An X-ray imaging test of the knee joint using one to two different angles to visualize the bones and surrounding structures. |
69 | $32 | $50 |
| New patient office visit, complex (60-74 min) | 68 | $166 | $450 |
| X-ray of hand, 2 views An X-ray imaging test of the hand using two different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
53 | $29 | $60 |
| Office visit, established patient (20-29 min) An office visit for an existing patient lasting between 20 and 29 minutes. The visit involves medical evaluation and management of the patient's condition. |
43 | $60 | $170 |
| X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views An X-ray imaging test that captures 2 to 3 views of the lower back and sacral spine to visualize the bones and joints in this area. |
38 | $36 | $92 |
| Drug injection, under skin or into muscle A procedure involving the administration of a medication or substance via injection into the subcutaneous tissue or muscle. |
38 | $12 | $29 |
| X-ray of middle spine, 2 views An X-ray imaging test that produces two views of the middle section of the spine to visualize the bones and joints. |
32 | $30 | $90 |
| Shoulder X-ray, 2+ views An X-ray imaging test of the shoulder joint using at least two different angles to visualize the bones and surrounding structures. |
32 | $30 | $60 |
| X-ray of upper spine, 2-3 views An X-ray imaging test of the upper spine using two to three different angles to visualize the bones and structures. |
31 | $37 | $85 |
| Methylprednisolone acetate injection, 80 mg An injection of 80 mg of methylprednisolone acetate, a corticosteroid medication. |
27 | $10 | $18 |
| Pelvis X-ray, 1-2 views An X-ray imaging test of the pelvic area using one to two different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
24 | $26 | $68 |
| Joint fluid aspiration or injection, small joint Removal of fluid from a small joint or injection of medication into a small joint. |
22 | $43 | $145 |
| X-ray of ankle, 2 views An X-ray imaging test of the ankle using two different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
22 | $30 | $60 |
| Ultrasound-guided joint aspiration or injection Removal of fluid from or injection into a medium-sized joint using ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement. |
20 | $77 | $183 |
| Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 40 mg | 20 | $6 | $16 |
| New patient office visit (45-59 min) An initial office visit for a new patient lasting between 45 and 59 minutes. This code covers the total time spent by the physician or qualified healthcare professional on the date of the encounter. |
13 | $39 | $400 |
How to read this data: This reflects Medicare patients only (typically 65+). Payment amounts are what Medicare paid the provider, not your out-of-pocket cost. A higher procedure volume generally indicates more experience with that procedure.
11.5% high complexity
41.1% medium
47.3% routine
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗$45,127
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $6,447/year across 7 years
Top 11% in CA for rheumatology
A higher payment rank reflects disclosed industry relationships (consulting, research, speaking) common among subspecialists — not wrongdoing.
61
Companies
1,581
Individual payments
All payments are legal and publicly reported · Not evidence of wrongdoing · How to interpret →
Payment profile
Industry payments classified by relationship type. Not all payments are equal — research and consulting reflect different relationships than speaking programs or meals.
Meals & Travel
Food, beverages, travel, and lodging — typically low-value
$31,412 (69.6%)
Speaking / Promotional
Speaker programs, honoraria, and industry-sponsored educational events
$7,008 (15.5%)
Consulting
Expert advisory fees, typically reflecting recognized clinical expertise
$6,707 (14.9%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$4,987
2023
$5,599
2022
$6,038
2021
$3,853
2020
$4,447
2019
$7,959
2018
$12,246
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
ABBVIE INC.
$836
Amgen Inc.
$783
Janssen Biotech, Inc.
$603
Kyowa Kirin, Inc.
$362
Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc.
$347
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
$326
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.
$291
PFIZER INC.
$217
UCB, Inc.
$213
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$198
Lilly USA, LLC
$193
Radius Health, Inc.
$142
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
$134
Aurinia Pharma U.S., Inc.
$76
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
$58
Organon Llc
$56
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$54
GENZYME CORPORATION
$34
Octapharma USA, Inc.
$24
Nevro Corp.
$22
Avanos Medical
$16
Top 3 companies account for 44.6% of 2024 payments
All-time payments by company (2018-2024) ›
AbbVie, Inc.
$6,928
Janssen Biotech, Inc.
$5,820
Amgen Inc.
$4,848
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
$2,400
Cardinal Health 108, LLC
$2,271
ABBVIE INC.
$2,201
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.
$2,132
Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc.
$1,998
PFIZER INC.
$1,935
Radius Health, Inc.
$1,666
UCB, Inc.
$1,620
Horizon Therapeutics plc
$1,330
Lilly USA, LLC
$1,310
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
$872
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$748
AbbVie Inc.
$727
Celgene Corporation
$660
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
$574
Aurinia Pharma U.S., Inc.
$508
Kyowa Kirin, Inc.
$487
Mallinckrodt Enterprises LLC
$419
Genentech USA, Inc.
$366
GENZYME CORPORATION
$332
SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S. LLC
$228
Antares Pharma, Inc.
$228
ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$198
Flexion Therapeutics, Inc.
$183
Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc.
$176
MEDEXUS PHARMA, INC.
$171
Horizon Pharma plc
$170
MEDAC PHARMA, INC.
$143
Pfizer Inc.
$128
Mallinckrodt LLC
$127
Sobi, Inc
$125
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$83
SOBI, INC
$83
Genentech, Inc.
$80
Exeltis, USA Inc.
$73
Organon Llc
$56
Oxford Immunotec USA Inc
$55
Orthogenrx Inc.
$54
Organon LLC
$53
Fidia Pharma USA Inc.
$50
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.
$46
Nevro Corp.
$42
DePuy Synthes Sales Inc.
$40
FIDIA PHARMA USA INC.
$39
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
$36
Bioventus LLC
$35
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$35
Avanos Medical
$33
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
$29
TerSera Therapeutics LLC
$27
Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc
$25
Octapharma USA, Inc.
$24
ASSERTIO THERAPEUTICS, Inc.
$21
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.
$19
Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.
$16
Iroko Pharmaceuticals, LLC
$16
Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
$16
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation
$14
Top 3 companies account for 39.0% of all-time payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
ACTHAR · Actemra · Amitiza · BENLYSTA · Bimzelx · COSENTYX · CRYSViTA · CYLTEZO · Cimzia · Crysvita · DUZALLO · EUFLEXXA · EVENITY · EVUSHELD · Enbrel · FORTEO · Gel-One Cross-linked Hyaluronate · GenVisc 850 · Gralise · HADLIMA · HUMIRA · HYMOVIS · Humira · Hymovis · ILARIS · INFLECTRA · KEVZARA · KINERET · KRYSTEXXA · Kineret · LUPKYNIS · LYRICA · NUCALA · Nucynta · OCTAGAM IMMUNE GLOBULIN (HUMAN) · OFEV · OPSUMIT · OPSUMIT MACITENTAN · ORENCIA · ORTHOVISC · OTREXUP · Omnia · Otezla · Otrexup · PENNSAID · PURIFIED CORTROPHIN GEL · Prolia · QUZYTTIR · RAYOS · REDITREX · REMICADE · RENFLEXIS · RINVOQ · Rasuvo · Rinvoq · Rituxan · SAPHNELO · SIMPONI · SKYRIZI · STELARA · Senza · Strensiq · Supartz · Supartz Fx Sodium Hyaluronate · TALTZ · TAVNEOS · TREMFYA · TRIVISC SODIUM HYALURONATE · TSPOT TB TEST · Tavneos · Tymlos · UPTRAVI · Uloric · VIVLODEX · XELJANZ · XYOSTED · Zilretta
Should you be concerned? Payments from pharmaceutical and device companies are legal and common — 57% of U.S. physicians receive at least one. They often reflect legitimate consulting, research, or education. What matters is whether a recommended drug or device appears in your doctor's payment records. If so, consider asking your doctor about it. How to interpret this data →
Most payments (70%) are for meals and travel — low-value interactions that are common across virtually all practicing physicians.
Geographic Context
Rheumatologists within 10 mi
60
Per 100K population
1.8
County median income
$102,285
Nearest hospital
UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH HILLCREST - HILLCREST MED CTR
2.3 mi
2.3 mi
Data Sources
| Provider Registry | ✓ NPPES | Weekly updates |
| Medicare Enrollment | ✓ PECOS | Monthly updates |
| Practice Data | ✓ Medicare Util. | Annual (CY lag) |
| Industry Payments | ✓ Open Payments | CY 2024 |
| Disciplinary History | — Not public | N/A |
This provider has data in 4 of 4 available federal datasets, with a Data Coverage level of Very High. This reflects how much public data is available about a provider. How we calculate this →
Summary
Dr. Pazirandeh is a clinical cardiology specialist, with moderate Medicare volume, with low-engagement industry engagement in the top 11% of CA peers, with 20 years of NPI registration.
This summary is auto-generated from federal data, describing data availability and patterns. Read our methodology →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Pazirandeh experienced with office visit, established patient (30-39 min)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Pazirandeh performed 676 office visit, established patient (30-39 min) services. Research suggests that higher procedure volume is often associated with better outcomes, particularly for complex procedures. Note that Medicare data only captures patients aged 65 and older, so the total practice volume across all patients is likely higher.
Does Dr. Pazirandeh receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Pazirandeh received a total of $45,127 from 61 companies across 1,581 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common among physicians — 57% of all U.S. physicians receive at least one industry payment. Patients may wish to ask their doctor about these relationships, especially if a recommended drug or device appears in the payment records.
How do Dr. Pazirandeh's costs compare to other rheumatologists in San Diego?
Dr. Pazirandeh's average Medicare payment per service is $53. Note that these figures represent what Medicare pays, not your out-of-pocket cost, which depends on your specific insurance plan and deductible. Procedure-level data above shows both what was submitted and what Medicare paid for each service type.
What does Data Coverage mean?
Data Coverage (currently Very High for Dr. Pazirandeh) measures how much public federal data is available about a provider. It is not a quality rating. A "Very High" or "High" level means the provider has data across multiple federal sources (NPPES, PECOS, Medicare Utilization, Open Payments), indicating a long track record of practice, Medicare participation, and industry disclosure. A "Low" or "Moderate" level may simply mean the provider is newer, does not see Medicare patients, or has not received any industry payments — none of which are inherently negative. Read our full methodology →
Is this data up to date?
Each data source has its own update cycle. Provider registry data (NPPES) is updated weekly. Medicare enrollment (PECOS) is updated monthly. Medicare practice data has a ~2 year lag — the most recent available is typically 2 years prior. Industry payment data (Open Payments) is published annually, usually in June, covering the prior calendar year. We display the data date prominently on each section so you always know how current it is. See our data freshness policy →
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About this page
All data on this page is sourced verbatim from public federal records published by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): NPPES ↗, Open Payments ↗, Medicare Provider Utilization ↗, and PECOS. Publication is mandated by the Physician Payments Sunshine Act (§6002 ACA, 42 U.S.C. §1320a-7h) and the Freedom of Information Act.
This page is not medical advice, an endorsement, a recommendation, or a quality rating. Data Coverage reflects data completeness — how much federal information exists for this provider — not clinical performance, patient outcomes, or quality of care. Always verify information directly with the provider and consult a licensed clinician before making medical decisions.
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