Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Fred Vernacchia, M.D.
Radiation Oncology · San Luis Obispo, CA
Practice pattern: Mixed Practice
— Diverse clinical practice across multiple procedure types
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. Vernacchia 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. Vernacchia
Dr. Fred Vernacchia is a radiation oncology specialist in San Luis Obispo, CA, with 19 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Vernacchia performed 4,348 Medicare services across 4,198 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Vernacchia received a total of $155 from 5 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 6 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in radiation oncology. 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. Vernacchia 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.
✓ 19 years in practice
▲ Top 34% volume in CA
$155 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗4,348
Medicare services
Top 34% in CA for radiation oncology
4,198
Unique beneficiaries
$34
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
~229 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D radiographic procedure with computerized image postprocessing A radiographic imaging procedure that creates three-dimensional images using computerized processing of the captured data. |
661 | $29 | $244 |
| Screening mammography An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. |
534 | $37 | $252 |
| 3D screening mammography (tomosynthesis) A screening imaging test of the breast using 3D technology to detect potential abnormalities. |
518 | $29 | $194 |
| 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. |
126 | $8 | $70 |
| MRI of lower spine, without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the lower spinal canal that does not use contrast dye to create detailed images of the spine. |
123 | $55 | $458 |
| Nuclear medicine scan from skull base to mid-thigh with CT A nuclear medicine imaging study covering the area from the base of the skull to the middle of the thighs, performed alongside a CT scan. |
123 | $91 | $748 |
| 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. |
109 | $39 | $312 |
| CT scan of heart for calcium evaluation A CT scan of the heart used to evaluate calcium levels in the blood vessels. |
102 | $19 | $176 |
| CT scan for bone mineral density A CT scan used to measure calcium and other minerals in the bone. This procedure assesses bone mineral content. |
101 | $12 | $76 |
| 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. |
93 | $67 | $558 |
| CT scan of chest with contrast A computed tomography scan of the chest using a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of internal structures. |
84 | $42 | $384 |
| MRI of leg joint, without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging scan of a joint in the leg performed without the use of contrast dye. |
78 | $50 | $422 |
| Ultrasound of head and neck soft tissue This procedure uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissues in the head and neck area. It allows for the visualization of structures beneath the skin without using radiation. |
78 | $21 | $174 |
| MRI of brain with and without contrast An MRI scan of the brain using contrast dye both before and after administration to provide detailed images of brain structures. |
69 | $85 | $724 |
| 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. |
66 | $7 | $62 |
| Complete ultrasound of retroperitoneum An ultrasound examination of the structures located behind the abdominal cavity. |
65 | $27 | $228 |
| 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. |
61 | $78 | $690 |
| Limited ultrasound of 1 breast A focused ultrasound examination of a single breast to evaluate specific areas of concern. |
57 | $26 | $258 |
| X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum of 4 views An X-ray imaging test of the lower back and sacrum using at least four different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
54 | $9 | $100 |
| Knee X-ray, 4 or more views An imaging test using X-rays to create multiple pictures of the knee joint from different angles. |
54 | $8 | $79 |
| 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. |
52 | $7 | $62 |
| 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. |
50 | $8 | $74 |
| 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. |
49 | $8 | $74 |
| Complete ultrasound of abdomen A diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures within the abdomen. |
44 | $24 | $250 |
| Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement Use of real-time X-ray imaging to guide the precise placement of a needle during a medical procedure. |
43 | $22 | $174 |
| MRI of upper spine without contrast An MRI scan of the upper spinal canal that does not use contrast dye. This imaging test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the spine. |
42 | $56 | $492 |
| Diagnostic mammography of 1 breast An X-ray examination of one breast to evaluate specific breast symptoms or abnormalities. |
42 | $28 | $250 |
| 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. |
41 | $52 | $422 |
| Abdominal X-ray, 1 view An X-ray image of the abdomen taken from a single angle to visualize internal structures. |
41 | $7 | $60 |
| Complete breast ultrasound, 1 breast A complete ultrasound examination of one breast to visualize internal structures. |
38 | $37 | $440 |
| 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. |
37 | $6 | $52 |
| 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. |
35 | $51 | $454 |
| Low dose CT scan of chest for lung cancer screening A specialized CT scan of the chest using a lower radiation dose to screen for lung cancer. |
35 | $52 | $336 |
| 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. |
35 | $20 | $180 |
| 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. |
34 | $64 | $534 |
| 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. |
34 | $28 | $184 |
| X-ray of upper spine, 4-5 views An X-ray imaging test of the upper spine using 4 to 5 different views to visualize the bones and structures in that area. |
30 | $9 | $100 |
| 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. |
30 | $6 | $56 |
| 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. |
29 | $76 | $690 |
| CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis using contrast dye before and after administration to visualize internal structures. |
28 | $78 | $618 |
| MRI scan of both breasts A magnetic resonance imaging test that creates detailed pictures of both breasts to help evaluate breast tissue. |
27 | $83 | $740 |
| Contrast injection for shoulder joint imaging A contrast dye is injected into the shoulder joint to enhance imaging studies. This helps visualize the joint structures more clearly during the procedure. |
24 | $40 | $2,182 |
| 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. |
24 | $9 | $74 |
| MRI of arm joint with contrast An MRI scan of the arm joint using a contrast dye to enhance the images. This imaging test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the joint. |
23 | $60 | $498 |
| MRI of middle spinal canal, without contrast This procedure uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed pictures of the middle section of the spinal canal. It is performed without the use of contrast dye. |
22 | $55 | $492 |
| X-ray of both hips, 2 views An X-ray imaging test that captures two views of both hip joints to evaluate bone structure and alignment. |
20 | $9 | $76 |
| Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound An ultrasound exam using a probe inserted into the vagina to image the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and surrounding pelvic structures. |
20 | $27 | $216 |
| Digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammogram) A specialized imaging test that creates three-dimensional pictures of the breast tissue to help detect abnormalities. |
20 | $22 | $150 |
| Wrist X-ray, 2 views An X-ray imaging test of the wrist using two different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
18 | $6 | $58 |
| CT scan of arm, without contrast A CT scan of the arm that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the arm's internal structures without the use of contrast dye. |
18 | $38 | $308 |
| Complete pelvic ultrasound An imaging test using sound waves to create pictures of the organs and structures within the pelvis. |
17 | $27 | $212 |
| 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. |
16 | $29 | $260 |
| 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. |
16 | $33 | $352 |
| CT scan of abdomen with contrast A CT scan of the abdomen using a contrast dye to create detailed images of internal organs and structures. |
15 | $46 | $392 |
| Esophagram with single contrast An X-ray of the esophagus using a single type of contrast material to visualize the structure and function of the upper digestive tract. |
15 | $24 | $144 |
| Diagnostic mammography of both breasts | 15 | $33 | $312 |
| 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. |
14 | $61 | $536 |
| MRI of eye socket, face, and/or neck with and without contrast This procedure uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed pictures of the bones in the eye socket, face, and neck. It is performed both before and after the administration of a contrast dye to enhance the images. |
14 | $70 | $658 |
| 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. |
14 | $32 | $306 |
| CT scan of neck soft tissue with contrast A computed tomography scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the soft tissues in the neck. |
13 | $52 | $426 |
| Ankle X-ray, minimum 3 views An X-ray imaging test of the ankle that captures at least three different angles to evaluate the bones and joints. |
13 | $7 | $56 |
| 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. |
12 | $8 | $70 |
| CT scan of abdomen without contrast A computed tomography scan that creates detailed images of the abdominal organs and structures. This procedure is performed without the use of intravenous contrast dye. |
11 | $38 | $366 |
| Whole body nuclear medicine scan with CT A combined imaging procedure using nuclear medicine and CT scans to visualize the entire body. |
11 | $93 | $789 |
| Ultrasound of leg arteries or grafts An imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the blood vessels in the legs or any surgical grafts present. |
11 | $27 | $246 |
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 2024 ↗$155
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $52/year across 3 years
Bottom 47% in CA for radiation oncology
5
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
$155 (100.0%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$27
2022
$57
2018
$72
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
PROGENICS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
$27
Top 3 companies account for 100.0% of 2024 payments
All-time payments by company (2018-2024) ›
GE Healthcare
$62
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
$37
PROGENICS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
$27
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$20
Piramal Imaging Limited
$10
Top 3 companies account for 80.7% of all-time payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
MAGNETOM Lumina · NEURACEQ · PYLARIFY
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.
Geographic Context
Radiation oncologists within 10 mi
28
Per 100K population
9.9
County median income
$93,398
Nearest hospital
FRENCH HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
0.0 mi
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 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. Vernacchia is a mixed practice specialist, with moderate Medicare volume, with low-engagement industry engagement, with 19 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. Vernacchia experienced with 3d radiographic procedure with computerized image postprocessing?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Vernacchia performed 661 3d radiographic procedure with computerized image postprocessing 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. Vernacchia receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Vernacchia received a total of $155 from 5 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. Vernacchia's costs compare to other radiation oncologists in San Luis Obispo?
Dr. Vernacchia's average Medicare payment per service is $34. 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. Vernacchia) 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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