Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Christopher Nicholas, MD
Radiation Oncology · Williamsville, NY
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. Nicholas 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. Nicholas
Dr. Christopher Nicholas is a radiation oncology specialist in Williamsville, NY, with 8 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Nicholas performed 3,509 Medicare services across 1,374 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Nicholas received a total of $8,813 from 24 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 100 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. Nicholas 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.
✓ 8 years in practice
▲ Top 39% volume in NY
$8,813 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗3,509
Medicare services
Top 39% in NY for radiation oncology
1,374
Unique beneficiaries
$17
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
~439 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
1,765 | $0 | $2 |
| 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. |
435 | $7 | $16 |
| Gadobenate dimeglumine injection Administration of gadobenate dimeglumine, a contrast agent used to enhance imaging results. |
222 | $1 | $1 |
| Abdominal fluid drainage with imaging guidance Removal of fluid from the abdominal cavity using imaging technology to guide the procedure. |
81 | $81 | $450 |
| 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. |
75 | $7 | $20 |
| 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. |
70 | $21 | $60 |
| 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. |
55 | $76 | $128 |
| 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. |
54 | $67 | $143 |
| Fluoroscopic guidance for central vein access device Use of live X-ray imaging to guide the placement or removal of a central vein access device. |
45 | $14 | $32 |
| 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. |
44 | $38 | $89 |
| 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. |
41 | $61 | $126 |
| 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. |
33 | $31 | $68 |
| 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. |
33 | $5 | $17 |
| Midazolam injection, per 1 mg Administration of midazolam hydrochloride, a sedative medication, measured in 1 mg increments. |
33 | $0 | $0 |
| Chest fluid aspiration with imaging guidance This procedure involves removing fluid from the chest cavity using imaging technology to guide the needle placement. |
29 | $82 | $639 |
| 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. |
29 | $8 | $22 |
| 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. |
28 | $6 | $15 |
| Infusion tube insertion with imaging guidance A radiologist inserts an infusion tube into the body while using imaging guidance to ensure proper placement and reviews the procedure. |
26 | $64 | $766 |
| Ultrasound of transplanted kidney An ultrasound scan of a transplanted kidney to visualize its structure and blood flow. This imaging test helps assess the health and function of the transplanted organ. |
23 | $26 | $46 |
| CT scan of chest with contrast A computed tomography scan of the chest using a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of internal structures. |
22 | $41 | $112 |
| Complete ultrasound of retroperitoneum An ultrasound examination of the structures located behind the abdominal cavity. |
21 | $77 | $191 |
| 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 | $80 | $133 |
| Ultrasound guidance for blood vessel access Use of ultrasound imaging to help locate and access a blood vessel. This guidance assists healthcare providers in performing procedures such as inserting IV lines or drawing blood. |
18 | $11 | $23 |
| Insertion of tunneled central venous catheter for infusion, age 5+ A surgical procedure to place a long-term catheter into a large vein for delivering medications or fluids. The catheter is tunneled under the skin to reduce infection risk and provide stable access for patients aged 5 and older. |
17 | $198 | $1,588 |
| Knee X-ray, 4 or more views An imaging test using X-rays to create multiple pictures of the knee joint from different angles. |
17 | $9 | $18 |
| Central venous port insertion A surgical procedure to place a small reservoir under the skin for long-term access to the bloodstream. The device is connected to a vein to allow for repeated medication administration or blood draws. |
15 | $241 | $1,936 |
| Lumbar puncture with imaging guidance A procedure to remove spinal fluid from the lower back for diagnostic testing, performed using imaging guidance. |
15 | $66 | $524 |
| Injection, fentanyl citrate, 0.1 mg | 15 | $0 | $2 |
| 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. |
14 | $6 | $11 |
| 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. |
14 | $17 | $60 |
| 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. |
14 | $38 | $81 |
| Telephone medical discussion, 11-20 minutes A phone conversation with a physician lasting between 11 and 20 minutes. |
14 | $46 | $82 |
| Joint injection, major joint Removal of fluid from a large joint and/or injection of medication into the joint space. |
13 | $30 | $114 |
| Core needle biopsy of lung or mediastinum A procedure to remove a small tissue sample from the lung or the space between the lungs using a needle inserted through the skin. |
13 | $102 | $1,477 |
| Insertion of non-tunneled central venous catheter A procedure to place a central venous catheter for infusion in patients aged 5 years or older. The catheter is inserted directly into a large vein without being tunneled under the skin. |
13 | $64 | $441 |
| Kidney needle biopsy A procedure in which a needle is used to remove a small sample of kidney tissue for examination. |
13 | $89 | $1,271 |
| 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. |
13 | $36 | $67 |
| 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. |
13 | $269 | $1,392 |
| Ultrasound guidance for needle placement Use of ultrasound imaging to guide the precise placement of a needle during a medical procedure. |
13 | $43 | $282 |
| 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. |
12 | $50 | $122 |
| 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. |
12 | $35 | $103 |
| Abdominal X-ray, 1 view An X-ray image of the abdomen taken from a single angle to visualize internal structures. |
12 | $19 | $65 |
| 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. |
12 | $260 | $998 |
| Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement Use of real-time X-ray imaging to guide the precise placement of a needle during a medical procedure. |
12 | $20 | $44 |
| 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. |
11 | $135 | $614 |
| Radiologist review of CT-guided needle placement A radiologist reviews the CT imaging used to guide the placement of a needle. |
11 | $54 | $104 |
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.
2.3% high complexity
74.7% medium
23.1% routine
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗$8,813
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $1,259/year across 7 years
Top 10% in NY for radiation oncology
A higher payment rank reflects disclosed industry relationships (consulting, research, speaking) common among subspecialists — not wrongdoing.
24
Companies
100
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
$8,813 (100.0%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$163
2023
$1,384
2022
$711
2021
$61
2020
$139
2019
$863
2018
$5,493
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
Inari Medical, Inc.
$103
TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc.
$31
Boston Scientific Corporation
$28
Top 3 companies account for 100.0% of 2024 payments
All-time payments by company (2018-2024) ›
Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
$2,126
Medtronic USA, Inc.
$1,246
Medtronic, Inc.
$1,161
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
$827
Penumbra, Inc.
$751
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
$435
Sirtex Medical Inc
$404
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
$342
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
$232
TriSalus Life Sciences, Inc.
$179
EKOS Corporation
$160
Biocompatibles, Inc.
$147
Inari Medical, Inc.
$124
Boston Scientific Corporation
$112
Terumo Medical Corporation
$99
Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
$79
Cook Medical LLC
$77
Philips Electronics North America Corporation
$75
BARD PERIPHERAL VASCULAR, INC.
$67
Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
$48
Palette Life Sciences, Inc.
$45
Okami Medical, Inc.
$41
Cook Incorporated
$20
Maquet Cardiovascular U.S. Sales, L.L.C.
$16
Top 3 companies account for 51.4% of all-time payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
ABRE · ACUSEAL Vascular Graft · Azur CX Detachable · CONQUEST · COOK MEDICAL LIVER ACCESS · CT THROMBECTOMY SYSTEM KIT · Cook Medical Embolization · Cook Medical Filters · Da Vinci Surgical System · EKOSONIC · ELLIPSYS VASCULAR ACCESS SYSTEM · EMBOLD Fibered · EMBOZENE · FlowTriever · GORE VIABAHN Endoprosthesis with Heparin · GORE VIABAHN VBX Balloon Expandable Endo · General - Metallic Stents · IGT D Peripheral · Indigo · KYPHON Balloon Kyphoplasty · KYPHON EXPRESS II KYPHOPAK TRAY · LIFESTENT · LOBO · MAGNETOM Altea · Navicross · Penumbra Ruby Coil · Penumbra System · Peripheral Orbital Atherectomy System · RELIANCE XK · SIR-Spheres Microspheres · TIGRIS Stent · TRINAV INFUSION SYSTEM · VIABAHN Endoprosthesis with PROPATEN Bioactive Surface · VIABAHN VBX Balloon Expandable Endoprosthesis · VISUAL-ICE · VenaSeal · iCAST
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 10% for radiation oncology in NY.
Geographic Context
Radiation oncologists within 10 mi
142
Per 100K population
14.9
County median income
$71,175
Nearest hospital
UPSTATE NEW YORK VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (WESTERN NY VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM)
5.6 mi
5.6 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. Nicholas is a mixed practice specialist, with moderate Medicare volume, with low-engagement industry engagement in the top 10% of NY peers.
This summary is auto-generated from federal data, describing data availability and patterns. Read our methodology →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dr. Nicholas experienced with contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Nicholas performed 1,765 contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based) 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. Nicholas receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Nicholas received a total of $8,813 from 24 companies across 100 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. Nicholas's costs compare to other radiation oncologists in Williamsville?
Dr. Nicholas's average Medicare payment per service is $17. 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. Nicholas) 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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