Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Steven Chough, MD
Cardiovascular Disease · Downers Grove, IL
Practice pattern: Electrophysiology & Remote
— Practice combining electrophysiology and remote services
Speaking/Promotional
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. Chough 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. Chough
Dr. Steven Chough is a cardiovascular disease specialist in Downers Grove, IL, with 20 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Chough performed 4,407 Medicare services across 3,198 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Chough received a total of $5,603 from 12 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 41 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in cardiovascular 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. Chough 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 16% volume in IL
$5,603 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗4,407
Medicare services
Top 16% in IL for cardiovascular disease
3,198
Unique beneficiaries
$55
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
~220 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote pacemaker monitoring, 90 days Remote assessment of a pacemaker system, including single, dual, multiple lead, or leadless devices, performed up to 90 days apart. |
972 | $22 | $197 |
| Remote evaluation of implantable defibrillator system Remote assessment of a single, dual, or multiple lead implantable defibrillator system within 90 days of the previous evaluation. |
396 | $27 | $309 |
| Pacemaker programming, dual lead system Adjustment and configuration of a dual-lead pacemaker device to ensure proper operation and settings. |
300 | $59 | $196 |
| 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. |
298 | $96 | $259 |
| 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. |
279 | $141 | $366 |
| 2-day continuous ECG with professional review A two-day continuous electrocardiogram recording that includes a review by a healthcare professional. |
261 | $13 | $147 |
| 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. |
222 | $11 | $82 |
| Remote cardiac rhythm monitor evaluation, up to 30 days Review and analysis of data from a remote cardiac rhythm monitoring system over a period of up to 30 days. |
205 | $19 | $156 |
| 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. |
156 | $10 | $163 |
| 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. |
146 | $54 | $178 |
| 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. |
127 | $97 | $248 |
| Continuous ECG monitoring with transmission and review Continuous electrocardiogram monitoring for up to 30 days with symptom tracking. The data is transmitted and reviewed by a healthcare professional who provides a report. |
87 | $17 | $91 |
| 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. |
86 | $140 | $437 |
| Hospital follow-up visit, moderate complexity Follow-up hospital visit for an existing patient involving moderate medical decision making. The visit requires at least 35 minutes of time spent on the date of service. |
82 | $65 | $168 |
| Continuous EKG monitoring review, 48-7 days Review and interpretation of continuous external EKG recordings lasting more than 48 hours up to 7 days. |
74 | $18 | $51 |
| Programming of dual lead implantable defibrillator system Adjustment and testing of the settings for an implanted heart device with two leads to ensure proper function. |
67 | $75 | $277 |
| Programming of multiple lead implantable defibrillator system Adjustment and testing of the settings for an implanted heart device with multiple leads to ensure proper function. |
67 | $79 | $302 |
| Blood draw (venipuncture) Insertion of a needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. |
61 | $8 | $22 |
| Pacemaker system programming Adjustment and testing of a multi-lead pacemaker to ensure proper function and settings. |
49 | $62 | $228 |
| Pacemaker insertion with heart chamber electrodes A surgical procedure to implant a pacemaker device and place electrodes into the upper and lower chambers of the heart to regulate heart rhythm. |
48 | $410 | $2,687 |
| New patient office visit, complex (60-74 min) | 46 | $171 | $465 |
| External EKG monitoring, 8-15 days Continuous external electrocardiogram recording and review over a period of 8 to 15 days to monitor heart rhythm. |
42 | $21 | $54 |
| Pacemaker programming, single lead Adjustment and testing of a single-lead pacemaker to ensure it functions correctly. |
42 | $52 | $167 |
| Remote pacemaker/defibrillator monitoring, 90 days Remote evaluation of a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator system within 90 days of the last check. |
38 | $11 | $107 |
| 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. |
36 | $102 | $300 |
| External shock to heart to regulate heart beat A procedure that delivers an electric shock to the heart from outside the body to restore a normal heart rhythm. |
35 | $87 | $766 |
| Removal and replacement of dual lead permanent pacemaker This procedure involves removing an existing permanent pacemaker with two leads and replacing it with a new device. It is performed to update or repair the heart rhythm management system. |
33 | $290 | $1,357 |
| Echocardiogram, transthoracic An ultrasound of the heart that uses color to show blood flow, rate, direction, and valve function. |
32 | $52 | $256 |
| Evaluation of implantable heart and blood vessel monitoring system This procedure involves checking the function and data of an implanted device used to monitor heart and blood vessel activity. |
29 | $37 | $117 |
| Programming of single lead implantable defibrillator system Adjustment and testing of the settings for a single-lead implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to ensure proper function. |
19 | $60 | $215 |
| Cardiac rhythm monitor evaluation Review and analysis of data recorded by a cardiac rhythm monitoring device to assess heart activity. |
18 | $40 | $121 |
| 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. |
16 | $176 | $678 |
| 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. |
15 | $138 | $352 |
| Removal of subcutaneous heart rhythm monitor This procedure involves the removal of a heart rhythm monitor that has been implanted under the skin. It is a minor surgical intervention to extract the device. |
12 | $52 | $304 |
| Pacemaker/ICD evaluation at implant or replacement Assessment of a single or dual chamber pacing cardioverter-defibrillator and generator during the initial implantation or replacement procedure. |
11 | $154 | $1,238 |
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.
47.1% high complexity
0.0% medium
52.9% routine
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗$5,603
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $800/year across 7 years
Top 34% in IL for cardiovascular disease
A higher payment rank reflects disclosed industry relationships (consulting, research, speaking) common among subspecialists — not wrongdoing.
12
Companies
41
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.
Speaking / Promotional
Speaker programs, honoraria, and industry-sponsored educational events
$3,185 (56.8%)
Consulting
Expert advisory fees, typically reflecting recognized clinical expertise
$1,528 (27.3%)
Meals & Travel
Food, beverages, travel, and lodging — typically low-value
$890 (15.9%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$42
2023
$65
2022
$266
2021
$224
2020
$30
2019
$3,225
2018
$1,751
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
Abbott Laboratories
$24
Boston Scientific Corporation
$18
Top 3 companies account for 100.0% of 2024 payments
All-time payments by company (2018-2024) ›
Boston Scientific Corporation
$3,393
Abbott Laboratories
$1,722
CARDIVA MEDICAL, INC.
$181
Paragon 28, Inc.
$72
Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
$53
Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
$38
Terumo Medical Corporation
$30
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
$29
PFIZER INC.
$28
Baylis Medical Company Inc
$25
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
$18
Medtronic, Inc.
$13
Top 3 companies account for 94.5% of all-time payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
ACCOLADE SR · ASSURITY · AZUR CX DETACHABLE · Allure Quadra RF CRT Pacemaker · Azure · CARDIVA VASCADE MVP VVCS 6-12F · CHANTIX · Cardiac Mapping System · Claria MRI · DEFINITY · EMBLEM SICD ELECTRODE DELIVERY SYSTEM · ENTRESTO · JOT DX · LATITUDE · LUX DX · LUX-Dx Insertable Cardiac Monitor · MOMENTUM · MitraClip System · NA · Product Portfolio · Quadra Assura CRT Defibrillator · RESONATE · RHYTHMIA · Reveal XT · VIGILANT · VersaCross Access Solution · WATCHMAN
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 →
The majority of payments (57%) are for speaking programs and promotional activities, which reflect participation in industry-sponsored educational or marketing events. This is common in cardiovascular disease and does not inherently indicate bias, but patients may wish to be aware.
Geographic Context
Cardiologists within 10 mi
671
Per 100K population
72.4
County median income
$110,502
Nearest hospital
ADVOCATE GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL
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. Chough is an electrophysiology & remote specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 16% in IL), with speaking/promotional 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. Chough experienced with remote pacemaker monitoring, 90 days?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Chough performed 972 remote pacemaker monitoring, 90 days 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. Chough receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Chough received a total of $5,603 from 12 companies across 41 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. Chough's costs compare to other cardiologists in Downers Grove?
Dr. Chough's average Medicare payment per service is $55. 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. Chough) 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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