Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Ralph Tucker, MD
Family Medicine · Lehigh Acres, FL
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. Tucker 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 →
Are you Dr. Tucker?
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What this data tells you about Dr. Tucker
Dr. Ralph Tucker is a family medicine specialist in Lehigh Acres, FL, with 20 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Tucker performed 7,354 Medicare services across 5,024 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Tucker received a total of $8,711 from 47 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 488 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in family medicine. 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. Tucker is Very High — reflecting how much public federal data is available about this provider. This is not a quality rating. Patients are encouraged to use this data as one of several factors when choosing a healthcare provider.
✓ 20 years in practice
▲ Top 4% volume in FL
$8,711 industry payments
Florida License Status
FL DOH · MQA1
Active license
None
Board action on record
0
Recent admin complaints
| Profession | License # | Status | Expires | Board Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Doctor | 51024 | Clear | January 31, 2027 | — |
Data from Florida Department of Health Medical Quality Assurance.
License records are public under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
Verify directly on FL DOH →
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗7,354
Medicare services
Top 4% in FL for family medicine
5,024
Unique beneficiaries
$35
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · Not a quality rating · How to read this →
~368 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. |
645 | $90 | $264 |
| Blood draw (venipuncture) Insertion of a needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. |
601 | $8 | $17 |
| Complete blood count (CBC) with differential An automated laboratory test that measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood, including a breakdown of the different types of white blood cells. |
482 | $8 | $16 |
| Comprehensive metabolic blood panel A blood test that measures a group of chemicals, including glucose, electrolytes, and kidney and liver function markers. |
440 | $10 | $21 |
| Lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides) A blood test that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels. |
434 | $13 | $27 |
| Cardiac enzyme level (CK-MB) test A blood test that measures the total level of creatine kinase, specifically the cardiac enzyme fraction, to help evaluate heart muscle damage. |
428 | $6 | $13 |
| Annual intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease, 15 minutes A yearly, in-person session focused on intensive behavioral therapy to help manage cardiovascular disease. The session lasts for 15 minutes and is conducted with the patient individually. |
289 | $26 | $54 |
| Advance care planning consultation, first 30 min A session focused on discussing and documenting future healthcare preferences and goals. This service covers the initial 30 minutes of the planning discussion. |
282 | $83 | $171 |
| Annual alcohol misuse screening, 5 to 15 minutes | 276 | $18 | $38 |
| Annual depression screening | 273 | $18 | $38 |
| Annual wellness visit, follow-up A follow-up annual wellness visit that includes a personalized prevention plan of service. |
272 | $130 | $267 |
| Folic acid level test A blood test that measures the amount of folic acid in the serum. |
211 | $14 | $29 |
| Vitamin B-12 level test A blood test that measures the amount of vitamin B-12 in your body. |
210 | $15 | $30 |
| Hemoglobin A1c test (diabetes monitoring) A blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. |
181 | $10 | $19 |
| 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. |
164 | $62 | $187 |
| Free thyroxine (T4) test A blood test that measures the level of free thyroxine, a thyroid hormone, in the bloodstream. |
156 | $9 | $18 |
| Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test A blood test that measures the level of thyroid stimulating hormone to evaluate thyroid function. |
156 | $16 | $34 |
| Vitamin D level test A blood test to measure the amount of Vitamin D-3 in your body. |
151 | $29 | $59 |
| 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. |
115 | $11 | $30 |
| Ferritin level test (iron stores) A blood test that measures the level of ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the body. |
114 | $13 | $27 |
| Iron level test | 113 | $6 | $13 |
| Iron binding capacity test A blood test that measures the amount of iron in the blood and the blood's ability to bind and transport iron. |
113 | $9 | $17 |
| 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. |
106 | $125 | $371 |
| PSA test (prostate cancer screening) A blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen to screen for prostate cancer. |
85 | $19 | $39 |
| Free T3 thyroid hormone test A blood test that measures the level of free triiodothyronine (T3) hormone in your body. This helps assess how well your thyroid gland is functioning. |
72 | $16 | $34 |
| Urine microalbumin test (kidney screening) A laboratory test that measures the amount of microalbumin, a small protein, in a urine sample. This test is used to detect early signs of kidney damage. |
68 | $6 | $12 |
| Creatinine test (kidney function) A blood test that measures the amount of creatinine to assess kidney function or detect muscle injury. |
68 | $5 | $10 |
| Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) An intramuscular injection of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. It is used to protect against diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. |
66 | $273 | $574 |
| Nursing facility visit, moderate complexity A follow-up visit by a healthcare provider at a nursing facility for an established patient. The visit involves moderate medical decision making and takes at least 30 minutes. |
66 | $84 | $220 |
| Pneumonia vaccine administration This procedure involves the injection of a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal disease. It is administered by a healthcare provider. |
66 | $31 | $64 |
| Smoking cessation counseling, 4-10 minutes A brief counseling session focused on helping patients quit smoking and tobacco use. The provider spends 4 to 10 minutes discussing strategies and support for cessation. |
54 | $15 | $31 |
| Basic metabolic blood panel A blood test that measures a group of basic chemicals, including total calcium levels. |
49 | $8 | $17 |
| PSA test (prostate cancer screening) | 47 | $18 | $37 |
| Total testosterone level test A blood test that measures the total amount of testosterone in your body. This hormone is important for various bodily functions in both men and women. |
45 | $25 | $52 |
| Uric acid level test A blood test that measures the level of uric acid in your body. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines. |
43 | $4 | $9 |
| Flu vaccine, high-dose High-dose seasonal influenza vaccine for adults aged 65 and older. Contains four times the antigen of standard-dose flu vaccines (60 mcg per strain), split-virus formulation, preservative-free, single-dose syringe. |
43 | $70 | $145 |
| Flu vaccine administration This procedure involves the administration of the influenza virus vaccine. It covers the process of delivering the vaccine to the patient. |
43 | $31 | $64 |
| Home health plan of care certification Certification by a physician or allowed practitioner for Medicare-covered home health services under a home health plan of care. This includes contacting the home health agency and reviewing reports of patient status required by physicians. |
43 | $41 | $107 |
| 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. |
36 | $220 | $570 |
| 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. |
35 | $96 | $347 |
| 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. |
31 | $28 | $59 |
| Automated urinalysis An automated laboratory test performed on a urine sample to analyze its chemical and physical properties. The procedure uses machinery to detect various substances and cells within the urine. |
27 | $2 | $4 |
| 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. |
25 | $11 | $30 |
| Ceftriaxone antibiotic injection This code represents the administration of ceftriaxone sodium, an antibiotic medication. The charge is calculated for every 250 mg of the drug administered. |
23 | $0 | $1 |
| Initial nursing facility care, high complexity An initial visit by a healthcare provider to a patient in a nursing facility involving a high level of medical decision making, lasting at least 45 minutes. |
20 | $139 | $377 |
| Home health plan of care re-certification A physician reviews the patient's status and contacts the home health agency to re-certify the plan of care without the patient being present. |
19 | $34 | $86 |
| Fecal immunochemical test (FIT), 1-3 simultaneous A screening test that uses a stool sample to detect hidden blood in the feces, helping to identify potential colorectal cancer. |
16 | $18 | $36 |
| 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. |
15 | $154 | $420 |
| Telephone medical discussion, 11-20 minutes A phone conversation with a physician lasting between 11 and 20 minutes. |
13 | $62 | $187 |
| Ear wax removal A procedure to remove impacted ear wax from the ear canal. |
12 | $39 | $101 |
| Methylprednisolone injection, up to 125 mg An injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate, a corticosteroid medication, with a dosage of up to 125 mg. |
12 | $4 | $11 |
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 ↗$8,711
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $1,244/year across 7 years
Top 6% in FL for family medicine
47
Companies
488
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
$8,711 (100.0%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$1,954
2023
$1,754
2022
$1,017
2021
$1,263
2020
$1,155
2019
$1,037
2018
$532
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.
$1,225
Lilly USA, LLC
$710
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
$624
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
$514
Amgen Inc.
$494
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc
$432
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
$400
Novo Nordisk Inc
$392
AbbVie Inc.
$363
PFIZER INC.
$353
ABBVIE INC.
$340
Astellas Pharma US Inc
$296
Kestra Medical Technology Services, Inc.
$261
Dexcom, Inc.
$240
Horizon Therapeutics plc
$229
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.
$168
Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.
$168
Antares Pharma, Inc.
$166
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation
$132
Exact Sciences Corporation
$130
Mylan Specialty L.P.
$117
ZOLL Services LLC (A/K/A ZOLL LifeCor Corp)
$79
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
$76
IDORSIA PHARMACEUTICALS US INC
$68
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$61
Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$57
Amarin Pharma Inc.
$57
Horizon Pharma plc
$44
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
$43
JAZZ PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
$41
Boston Scientific Corporation
$40
Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.
$39
Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$38
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$33
Radius Health, Inc.
$31
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
$30
Braemar Manufacturing, LLC
$29
Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.
$24
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
$24
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.
$21
Abbott Laboratories
$20
Tolmar, Inc.
$19
Clarus Therapeutics Inc.
$19
SANOFI PASTEUR INC.
$18
LIFESCAN, INC.
$17
DEXCOM, INC.
$15
Nestle HealthCare Nutrition Inc.
$12
Top 3 companies account for 29.4% of total payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
AIRSUPRA · AJOVY · ANORO · ANORO ELLIPTA · AREXVY · AUSTEDO · Aimovig · Assure WCD · Auvelity · BAQSIMI · BASAGLAR · BELSOMRA · BREZTRI · CHANTIX · Cardiac Monitoring Suite · Cologuard Collection Kit · DEXCOM G6 TRANSMITTER · DUEXIS · Descovy · Dexcom G6 Transmitter · ELIGARD · ELIQUIS · EMGALITY · ENTRESTO · EVENITY · FARXIGA · FLUBLOK QUADRIVALENT NORTHERN HEMISPHERE · FreeStyle Libre · GARDASIL · GARDASIL 9 · GVOKE HYPOPEN · GVOKE PFS · INGREZZA · INVOKANA · JANUVIA · JARDIANCE · JATENZO · LEQVIO · LOKELMA · LONHALA MAGNAIR · LifeVest · MOUNJARO · MYRBETRIQ · NEXLETOL · NEXLIZET · NOCDURNA · NURTEC ODT · ONETOUCH VERIO FLEX · OTREXUP · Otezla · Otrexup · Ozempic · PENNSAID · PNEUMOVAX 23 · PRADAXA · PREMARIN · PREVNAR - 13 · PREVNAR 13 · Prolia · QULIPTA · QUVIVIQ · RAYOS · Rybelsus · SHINGRIX · SUNOSI · SYMBICORT · TLANDO · TRADJENTA · TRELEGY ELLIPTA · TRINTELLIX · TRULICITY · Tresiba · Trintellix · Tymlos · UBRELVY · UTIBRON NEOHALER · Uloric · VIMOVO · VRAYLAR · Vascepa · Veozah · WATCHMAN FLX · XARELTO · XYOSTED · Yupelri · ZENPEP
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. Total industry engagement is in the top 6% for family medicine in FL.
Equivalent to $118 per 100 Medicare services performed
Geographic Context
Family medicine physicians within 10 mi
271
Per 100K population
664.2
County median income
$53,044
Nearest hospital
HCA FLORIDA LEHIGH REGIONAL 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 measures how much public data is available about a provider — not how good they are. How we calculate this →
Summary
Dr. Tucker is a clinical cardiology specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 4% in FL), with low-engagement industry engagement in the top 6% of FL peers, with 20 years of NPI registration.
This summary is auto-generated from federal data. It describes data availability and patterns — not clinical quality. Read our methodology →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Tucker experienced with office visit, established patient (30-39 min)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Tucker performed 645 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. Tucker receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Tucker received a total of $8,711 from 47 companies across 488 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. Tucker's costs compare to other family medicine physicians in Lehigh Acres?
Dr. Tucker's average Medicare payment per service is $35. 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. Tucker) 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. The Transparency Score measures 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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