Dr. Richard Belkin, MD
What this data tells you about Dr. Belkin
Dr. Richard Belkin is a pulmonary disease specialist in Santa Barbara, CA, with 19 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Belkin performed 6,480 Medicare services across 4,226 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Belkin received a total of $66,092 from 58 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 703 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in pulmonary disease. The majority of payments are for speaking programs and promotional activities, reflecting participation in industry-sponsored events. Patients may wish to discuss these relationships with their provider.
The Data Coverage level for Dr. Belkin 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.
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗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, 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. |
891 | $144 | $253 |
| Airflow rate measurement test A test that measures the rate of airflow. This procedure assesses how quickly air moves. |
751 | $34 | $59 |
| Lung volume measurement test A test that measures the largest amount of air you can breathe in and out. It evaluates the total capacity of your lungs. |
488 | $13 | $35 |
| Lung volume test using sensors A test that measures the amount of air in the lungs using sensors. |
488 | $49 | $81 |
| Pulmonary gas exchange test A test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases. |
488 | $52 | $88 |
| Hospital follow-up visit, high complexity Subsequent hospital inpatient or observation care for an existing patient involving high-level medical decision making, with at least 50 minutes total time on the date of the encounter. |
271 | $100 | $136 |
| Critical care, first 30-74 min Emergency medical care for a critically ill or injured patient lasting between 30 and 74 minutes. This service involves direct patient care and medical decision making to stabilize the patient. |
236 | $177 | $319 |
| Online digital E/M service, established patient, 21+ minutes An online digital evaluation and management service for an established patient. This service requires a total time of 21 or more minutes over a period of up to 7 days. |
193 | $38 | $67 |
| Additional 30 minutes of critical care This code represents an additional 30 minutes of critical care services provided beyond the initial critical care time period. |
175 | $89 | $152 |
| Artery puncture collection of blood sample | 123 | $24 | $43 |
| Blood gas test A test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the blood's acidity. |
123 | $26 | $33 |
| Methemoglobin level test A blood test that measures the amount of methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen effectively. This quantitative analysis helps determine the level of methemoglobin in the blood. |
123 | $8 | $12 |
| Hemoglobin blood test A blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. |
123 | $2 | $6 |
| Total calcium level test A blood test that measures the total amount of calcium in your body. |
122 | $5 | $7 |
| Carboxyhemoglobin level test A blood test that measures the amount of carbon monoxide bound to hemoglobin in the blood. |
122 | $12 | $16 |
| Lactic acid level | 122 | $11 | $17 |
| Blood potassium level test A blood test that measures the amount of potassium in your body. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps control heart and muscle function. |
122 | $5 | $7 |
| Blood sodium level test A laboratory test that measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve function. |
122 | $5 | $7 |
| Chronic care management, first 30 minutes This service covers the initial 30 minutes of care coordination for patients with two or more chronic conditions. It is provided personally by a healthcare professional each calendar month. |
106 | $71 | $118 |
| Nitric oxide gas level test A test that measures the level of nitric oxide gas in the body. |
102 | $18 | $30 |
| New patient office visit, complex (60-74 min) | 100 | $182 | $295 |
| Exercise-induced lung stress test A test performed to evaluate how the lungs function during physical exertion. It helps identify breathing difficulties or lung conditions that occur specifically when exercising. |
89 | $30 | $48 |
| Telephone medical discussion, 11-20 minutes A phone conversation with a physician lasting between 11 and 20 minutes. |
73 | $74 | $119 |
| Principal care management for high-risk disease, first 30 minutes This service involves 30 minutes of personal care management by a qualified healthcare professional for a patient with a single high-risk disease, billed per calendar month. |
67 | $67 | $162 |
| Initial hospital admission, high complexity Initial hospital inpatient or observation care for a new patient involving high-level medical decision making, with at least 75 minutes total time on the date of the encounter. |
66 | $144 | $258 |
| Quadrivalent influenza vaccine, preservative-free A flu shot containing four strains of the influenza virus, formulated without preservatives, administered in a 0.5 ml dose. |
65 | $22 | $39 |
| Flu vaccine administration This procedure involves the administration of the influenza virus vaccine. It covers the process of delivering the vaccine to the patient. |
65 | $30 | $30 |
| Exercise-induced bronchospasm test A test used to check for exercise-induced bronchospasm, which is a narrowing of the lung airways triggered by physical activity. |
52 | $78 | $140 |
| Lung cancer screening counseling visit A visit to discuss the need for lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan. This service is used to determine eligibility and facilitate shared decision making. |
49 | $30 | $43 |
| Bronchial irrigation and suction for cell collection This procedure uses an endoscope to flush and suction the lung airways in order to collect cells for testing. |
45 | $4 | $178 |
| Bronchial secretion aspiration via endoscope Removal of initial lung airway secretions using an endoscope. This procedure involves inserting a scope into the airways to clear fluid or mucus. |
43 | $86 | $190 |
| Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG A heart stress test performed using exercise or medication while monitoring the electrocardiogram under physician supervision and review. |
38 | $62 | $126 |
| Spirometry test before and after medication A test that measures the amount of air you can exhale and the speed of your breathing before and after taking a medication. |
37 | $36 | $91 |
| Exhaled air and carbon dioxide test A test that measures exhaled air and carbon dioxide levels to evaluate lung function. |
37 | $43 | $91 |
| Breathing device use evaluation An assessment of how a patient uses a breathing device. The provider reviews the patient's technique and device handling. |
36 | $16 | $46 |
| Telephone medical discussion, 21-30 minutes A telephone conversation with a physician lasting between 21 and 30 minutes. This code covers the time spent discussing medical matters over the phone. |
33 | $104 | $178 |
| Spirometry test A test that measures the amount and speed of air you can exhale. It includes recording the results, checking the equipment, and a provider's review. |
32 | $47 | $76 |
| Smoking cessation counseling, more than 10 minutes Intensive counseling session focused on helping patients quit smoking and tobacco use, lasting more than 10 minutes. |
32 | $29 | $43 |
| Transitional care management services, moderate complexity Services provided to coordinate care during the transition from an inpatient or other facility setting back to the community. This includes follow-up and management of a health problem of at least moderate complexity. |
28 | $180 | $279 |
| Electrocardiogram (EKG), 12-lead A standard heart rhythm test using at least 12 leads to record electrical activity. A healthcare provider interprets the results and provides a written report. |
27 | $12 | $39 |
| Obesity behavioral counseling, 15 minutes A 15-minute face-to-face session focused on behavioral counseling to help manage obesity. |
23 | $27 | $35 |
| Sedation by physician, initial 15 minutes Administration of a drug to induce depression of consciousness by the physician performing a procedure. This code covers the initial 15 minutes of sedation for patients aged 5 years or older. |
22 | $10 | $18 |
| Telephone medical discussion, 5-10 minutes A phone conversation with a physician lasting between 5 and 10 minutes to discuss medical matters. |
20 | $47 | $95 |
| Transitional care management, high complexity Coordination of care for a patient transitioning from a short-term hospital stay or other facility to home or another care setting. This service addresses a high-complexity medical problem. |
16 | $241 | $305 |
| Lung biopsy via endoscope, 1 lobe A procedure to remove a small sample of lung tissue from one lobe using an endoscope for examination. |
15 | $58 | $267 |
| Chronic care management, first 20 min/month This service covers the first 20 minutes of clinical staff time directed by a healthcare professional each calendar month to manage chronic conditions. |
15 | $54 | $84 |
| Computer-assisted navigation of lung airways This procedure uses computer technology to guide an endoscope through the airways of the lungs for precise navigation. |
14 | $78 | $151 |
| Bronchoscopy with ultrasound and growth treatment A procedure using a flexible tube with a camera and ultrasound to examine the lung airways and treat any growths found. |
14 | $55 | $137 |
| Endoscopic needle biopsy of windpipe, airway, or lung A procedure where a needle is inserted through an endoscope to collect tissue samples from the windpipe, airway, or lung. |
13 | $139 | $232 |
| Telephone medical discussion, 11-20 minutes A phone conversation with a nonphysician healthcare professional lasting between 11 and 20 minutes. |
12 | $19 | $34 |
| Initial hospital admission, moderate complexity Initial hospital inpatient or observation care for a new patient involving moderate-level medical decision making, with at least 55 minutes total time on the date of the encounter. |
11 | $109 | $174 |
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗Payment profile
Industry payments classified by relationship type. Not all payments are equal — research and consulting reflect different relationships than speaking programs or meals.
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
Payments by company (2024)
All-time payments by company (2018-2024) ›
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
The majority of payments (49%) are for speaking programs and promotional activities, which reflect participation in industry-sponsored educational or marketing events. This is common in pulmonary disease and does not inherently indicate bias, but patients may wish to be aware. Total industry engagement is in the top 6% for pulmonary disease in CA.
Geographic Context
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. Belkin is a clinical cardiology specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 2% in CA), with speaking/promotional industry engagement in the top 6% of CA peers, 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
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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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