Medicare Enrolled

Dr. Norman Chen, MD

Radiology - Diagnostic Ultrasound · San Diego, CA
Practice pattern: Mixed Practice — Diverse clinical practice across multiple procedure types
Low-engagement
8745 AERO DRIVE, San Diego, CA 92123
8585650950
In practice since 2006 (20 years)
NPI: 1700850815 verify on NPPES ↗
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. Chen 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. Chen

Dr. Norman Chen is a radiology - diagnostic ultrasound specialist in San Diego, CA, with 20 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Chen performed 16,439 Medicare services across 2,320 unique beneficiaries.

Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Chen received a total of $675 from 4 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 6 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in radiology - diagnostic ultrasound. 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. Chen 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 12% volume in CA $675 industry payments

Medicare Practice Summary

Medicare Utilization ↗
16,439
Medicare services
Top 12% in CA for radiology - diagnostic ultrasound
2,320
Unique beneficiaries
$8
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
~822 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
MRI contrast dye injection (gadoterate)
Administration of gadoterate meglumine, a contrast agent, in a 0.1 ml dose.
9,040 $0 $1
Contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based)
A contrast agent containing 300-399 mg/ml of iodine used to enhance imaging studies. It is administered per milliliter to improve the visibility of internal structures.
4,815 $0 $1
Chest X-ray, 1 view
An X-ray image of the chest taken from a single angle. This imaging test is used to visualize the structures within the chest cavity.
534 $7 $29
Gadobenate dimeglumine injection
Administration of gadobenate dimeglumine, a contrast agent used to enhance imaging results.
306 $1 $11
CT scan of head/brain, without contrast
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the head or brain without the use of contrast dye.
214 $31 $131
3D screening mammography (tomosynthesis)
A screening imaging test of the breast using 3D technology to detect potential abnormalities.
156 $58 $180
Screening mammography
An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease.
156 $146 $395
CT scan of chest blood vessels with contrast
A CT scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the blood vessels in the chest.
98 $66 $296
CT scan of upper spine, without contrast
A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of the upper spine. This procedure is performed without the use of contrast dye.
80 $36 $169
Abdominal X-ray, 1 view
An X-ray image of the abdomen taken from a single angle to visualize internal structures.
66 $7 $29
Digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammogram)
A specialized imaging test that creates three-dimensional pictures of the breast tissue to help detect abnormalities.
54 $44 $180
MRI of abdomen with and without contrast
An MRI scan of the abdomen using contrast dye before and after administration to create detailed images of internal structures.
47 $311 $1,419
CT scan of lower spine, without contrast
A computed tomography scan that creates detailed images of the lower spine using X-rays without the use of contrast dye.
36 $36 $156
Diagnostic mammography of both breasts 36 $128 $415
MRI of pelvis with and without contrast
A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the pelvic area performed both before and after the administration of a contrast dye to enhance image detail.
35 $244 $1,413
Limited ultrasound of 1 breast
A focused ultrasound examination of a single breast to evaluate specific areas of concern.
35 $82 $283
Swallowing function imaging
Imaging used to evaluate how well a person can swallow. This procedure visualizes the swallowing process to assess function.
31 $21 $82
CT scan of chest, without contrast
A computed tomography scan of the chest area that uses X-rays to create detailed images without the use of contrast dye.
30 $108 $819
Hip X-ray, 2-3 views
An X-ray imaging test of the hip joint using two to three different angles to visualize the bones and surrounding structures.
28 $8 $40
Chest X-ray, 2 views
An X-ray imaging test of the chest that captures two different angles to visualize the lungs, heart, and chest wall.
27 $26 $100
Diagnostic mammography of 1 breast
An X-ray examination of one breast to evaluate specific breast symptoms or abnormalities.
27 $106 $330
CT scan of neck blood vessels with contrast
A computed tomography scan that uses dye to visualize the blood vessels in the neck. This imaging test helps examine the structure and flow within the neck's vascular system.
26 $63 $270
Limited abdominal ultrasound
A focused ultrasound examination of the abdomen to evaluate specific organs or areas. This procedure uses sound waves to create images of internal structures.
26 $23 $91
CT scan of face, without contrast
A computed tomography scan that creates detailed images of the facial structures. This procedure is performed without the use of intravenous contrast dye.
25 $31 $176
Ultrasound of head and neck blood flow, bilateral
An ultrasound exam that uses sound waves to visualize and assess blood flow in the vessels of both the head and the neck.
25 $31 $93
CT scan of head blood vessels with contrast
A CT scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the blood vessels in the head.
24 $62 $270
CT scan of middle spine, without contrast
A CT scan of the middle spine performed without the use of contrast dye. This imaging test uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the vertebrae and surrounding structures.
24 $35 $156
CT scan of leg, without contrast
A computed tomography scan of the leg performed without the use of contrast dye. This imaging test uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the leg's internal structures.
23 $36 $156
3D radiographic procedure
A radiographic imaging technique that creates three-dimensional representations of internal structures.
23 $21 $145
CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast
A CT scan that uses dye to create detailed images of the abdomen and pelvis. This imaging test helps doctors examine internal organs and structures in these areas.
22 $280 $1,091
Complete ultrasound of retroperitoneum
An ultrasound examination of the structures located behind the abdominal cavity.
22 $26 $114
Ultrasound of arm or leg veins
An ultrasound exam of the veins in the arm or leg. The test uses sound waves to check blood flow and may include compression and other maneuvers.
22 $26 $105
Foot X-ray, 3+ views
An X-ray imaging test of the foot that captures at least three different views to evaluate the bones and joints.
21 $6 $26
Nuclear stress test of heart muscle
A nuclear medicine imaging test that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and during stress using a special camera.
21 $49 $244
Bone density scan (DEXA) of hip, pelvis, and spine
This test measures bone density in the hip, pelvis, and spine to assess bone strength. It also includes an assessment for spine fractures.
20 $59 $181
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.
19 $27 $100
CT scan of abdominal and pelvic blood vessels with contrast
A computed tomography scan that uses contrast dye to visualize the blood vessels in the abdomen and pelvis.
19 $84 $322
CT scan of chest with contrast
A computed tomography scan of the chest using a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of internal structures.
17 $109 $967
CT scan of pelvis, without contrast
A CT scan that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the pelvic area without the use of contrast dye.
16 $37 $168
MRI of arm joint, without contrast
An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the arm joint. This specific procedure is performed without the use of a contrast dye.
15 $165 $1,157
MRI of leg, without contrast
A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the leg performed without the use of contrast dye to visualize internal structures.
15 $49 $251
Knee X-ray, 3 views
An X-ray imaging test of the knee joint that captures three different angles to evaluate the bones and surrounding structures.
14 $32 $109
MRI of abdomen without contrast
An MRI scan of the abdomen that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of internal organs and tissues without the use of contrast dye.
14 $56 $252
CT scan of heart blood vessels and grafts with contrast
A CT scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the heart's blood vessels and any surgical grafts.
14 $82 $362
Complete ultrasound of abdomen
A diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures within the abdomen.
14 $103 $347
Wrist X-ray, minimum 3 views
An imaging test using X-rays to capture at least three different angles of the wrist bones and joints.
13 $5 $27
MRI of leg joint, without contrast
A magnetic resonance imaging scan of a joint in the leg performed without the use of contrast dye.
13 $49 $218
CT scan of large intestine, without contrast
A computed tomography scan of the large intestine performed without the use of contrast dye to visualize the colon's structure.
13 $180 $950
MRI of leg with and without contrast
An MRI scan of the leg performed both before and after the administration of a contrast dye to enhance image detail.
12 $80 $349
CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, without contrast
A computed tomography scan that creates detailed images of the abdominal and pelvic organs. The procedure is performed without the use of intravenous contrast dye.
12 $169 $686
X-ray of voice box or throat
An X-ray imaging test used to visualize the structures of the voice box or throat.
11 $8 $50
MRI scan of brain, without contrast
A magnetic resonance imaging test of the brain that does not use contrast dye. This procedure creates detailed images of the brain's structure using magnetic fields and radio waves.
11 $53 $241
X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views
An X-ray imaging test of the hand that captures at least three different angles to visualize the bones and joints.
11 $7 $27
MRI scan of both breasts
A magnetic resonance imaging test that creates detailed pictures of both breasts to help evaluate breast tissue.
11 $304 $1,477
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.

Industry Payment Transparency

Open Payments through 2023 ↗
$675
Total received (2019-2023)
Avg $169/year across 4 years
Top 26% in CA for radiology - diagnostic ultrasound
A higher payment rank reflects disclosed industry relationships (consulting, research, speaking) common among subspecialists — not wrongdoing.
4
Companies
6
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
$675 (100.0%)

Payment trend by year

Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.

2023
$54
2022
$287
2021
$182
2019
$153

Payments by company (2023)

Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
Ethicon US, LLC
$54
Top 3 companies account for 100.0% of 2023 payments
All-time payments by company (2019-2023) ›
FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation
$315
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
$154
Canon Medical Systems USA, Inc.
$153
Ethicon US, LLC
$54
Top 3 companies account for 92.1% of all-time payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
Biograph mCT X-4R · Certus 140 · FUJIFILM HEALTHCARE AMERICAS CORPORATION · FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation
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 (100%) are for meals and travel — low-value interactions that are common across virtually all practicing physicians.

Looking for a radiology - diagnostic ultrasound specialist in San Diego?
Compare radiology - diagnostic ultrasounds in the San Diego area by procedure volume, costs, and industry payment transparency.
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Geographic Context

Radiology - diagnostic ultrasounds within 10 mi
3
Per 100K population
0.1
County median income
$102,285
Nearest hospital
SHARP MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
0.0 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 2023
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. Chen is a mixed practice specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 12% in CA), with low-engagement industry engagement, 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. Chen experienced with mri contrast dye injection (gadoterate)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Chen performed 9,040 mri contrast dye injection (gadoterate) 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. Chen receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Chen received a total of $675 from 4 companies across 6 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. Chen's costs compare to other radiology - diagnostic ultrasounds in San Diego?
Dr. Chen's average Medicare payment per service is $8. 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. Chen) 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 →
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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Data Disclaimer — Data sourced from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), Open Payments program, Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data, and Provider Enrollment & Certification data (PECOS). Published under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This website is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized by CMS, HHS, or the U.S. Government. Data may contain errors as reported to CMS by providers and reporting entities. Payments from industry are legal and do not indicate wrongdoing. Medicare data reflects only patients aged 65+ or those with qualifying disabilities. For corrections, contact CMS directly. This information does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a healthcare provider. Procedure descriptions use plain language and do not reference CPT® codes, which are copyrighted by the American Medical Association. Full methodology → · Report a data error → · Privacy policy →