Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Mark Cua, MD
Cardiovascular Disease · Brownsville, TX
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. Cua 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. Cua
Dr. Mark Cua is a cardiovascular disease specialist in Brownsville, TX, with 20 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Cua performed 4,861 Medicare services across 1,647 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Cua received a total of $3,371 from 21 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 86 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in cardiovascular disease. 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. Cua 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 17% volume in TX
$3,371 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗4,861
Medicare services
Top 17% in TX for cardiovascular disease
1,647
Unique beneficiaries
$44
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · Not a quality rating · How to read this →
~243 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. |
2,145 | $0 | $2 |
| 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. |
960 | $87 | $225 |
| 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. |
184 | $63 | $150 |
| Echocardiogram, transthoracic An ultrasound of the heart that uses color to show blood flow, rate, direction, and valve function. |
154 | $135 | $700 |
| Prothrombin time test (blood clotting) A laboratory test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot. This procedure evaluates the body's coagulation process. |
144 | $4 | $21 |
| Pacemaker programming, dual lead system Adjustment and configuration of a dual-lead pacemaker device to ensure proper operation and settings. |
140 | $58 | $175 |
| Office visit for established patient An office visit for an existing patient that may not require the healthcare professional to be present. |
109 | $15 | $40 |
| 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. |
80 | $20 | $105 |
| Regadenoson injection (Lexiscan) for heart stress test An injection of regadenoson, a medication used to stress the heart during diagnostic testing. |
76 | $37 | $65 |
| 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. |
61 | $138 | $600 |
| 2-day continuous ECG with review and report A two-day continuous electrocardiogram recording that includes a professional review and written report of the results. |
56 | $47 | $240 |
| 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. |
54 | $10 | $50 |
| Continuous ECG monitoring, up to 30 days Continuous heart rhythm monitoring for up to 30 days, including professional review and reporting of the results. |
52 | $19 | $55 |
| 30-day continuous ECG with patient-triggered event transmission and review This procedure involves continuous electrocardiogram monitoring for up to 30 days, including the transmission of patient-triggered events. A healthcare professional reviews the data and provides a report. |
51 | $632 | $1,600 |
| 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. |
39 | $68 | $245 |
| Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG A heart stress test performed using exercise or medication while an electrocardiogram is monitored under physician supervision. |
38 | $15 | $141 |
| Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG A test that monitors the heart's electrical activity while the patient exercises or receives medication to increase heart rate. |
38 | $22 | $184 |
| Exercise or drug-induced heart stress test with ECG A heart stress test performed using exercise or medication while monitoring the electrocardiogram, with physician review of the results. |
38 | $10 | $125 |
| 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. |
34 | $31 | $100 |
| Cardiac rhythm monitor evaluation Review and analysis of data recorded by a cardiac rhythm monitoring device to assess heart activity. |
32 | $34 | $100 |
| 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. |
31 | $76 | $275 |
| Flu vaccine administration This procedure involves the administration of the influenza virus vaccine. It covers the process of delivering the vaccine to the patient. |
30 | $30 | $35 |
| 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. |
27 | $172 | $750 |
| Flu vaccine, quadrivalent A flu shot containing four strains of the influenza virus to help prevent seasonal influenza infection. |
26 | $76 | $82 |
| 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. |
24 | $25 | $115 |
| 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. |
22 | $80 | $350 |
| Ultrasound of arm or leg veins An ultrasound exam of the veins in the arm or leg. The test uses sound waves to check blood flow and may include compression and other maneuvers. |
22 | $134 | $600 |
| New patient office visit (30-44 min) An initial office visit for a new patient lasting between 30 and 44 minutes. This code is used when the total time spent on the date of the encounter falls within this range. |
22 | $56 | $250 |
| Technetium Tc-99m sestamibi diagnostic injection A diagnostic injection of technetium Tc-99m sestamibi used for imaging studies. |
22 | $69 | $88 |
| Nuclear stress test of heart muscle A nuclear medicine imaging test that evaluates blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and during stress using a special camera. |
21 | $332 | $1,150 |
| Pacemaker programming, single lead Adjustment and testing of a single-lead pacemaker to ensure it functions correctly. |
21 | $50 | $150 |
| 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. |
20 | $27 | $130 |
| 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. |
18 | $19 | $100 |
| Blood draw (venipuncture) Insertion of a needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. |
15 | $8 | $10 |
| Screening mammography An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. |
15 | $122 | $400 |
| 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. |
14 | $94 | $510 |
| 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. |
13 | $137 | $570 |
| Bone density scan (DEXA) A test that uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density in the hip, pelvis, and spine. It helps assess bone strength and risk of fractures. |
13 | $36 | $120 |
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.
7.9% high complexity
52.2% medium
39.9% routine
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗$3,371
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $482/year across 7 years
Bottom 42% in TX for cardiovascular disease
21
Companies
86
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
$3,073 (91.2%)
Speaking / Promotional
Speaker programs, honoraria, and industry-sponsored educational events
$298 (8.8%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$91
2023
$202
2022
$209
2021
$270
2020
$63
2019
$551
2018
$1,985
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
$1,379
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc
$362
Medtronic, Inc.
$291
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
$242
PFIZER INC.
$180
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
$172
Amarin Pharma Inc.
$145
SANOFI-AVENTIS U.S. LLC
$107
Astellas Pharma US Inc
$100
ARALEZ PHARMACEUTICALS US INC.
$94
Amgen Inc.
$52
BIOTRONIK INC.
$47
GE HEALTHCARE
$37
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
$36
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corporation
$26
ZOLL Services LLC (A/K/A ZOLL LifeCor Corp)
$26
Regeneron Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
$17
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$15
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
$15
Radius Health, Inc.
$15
Abbott Laboratories
$13
Top 3 companies account for 60.3% of total payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
Aimovig · BRILINTA · CHANTIX · ELIQUIS · EMBLEM · ENTRESTO · FARXIGA · INTELLIS ADAPTIVESTIM · KYPHON EXPRESS II KYPHOPAK TRAY · LEQVIO · LOKELMA · LifeVest · Merlin Connectivity and Remote · Micra · PRALUENT · PRALUENT ALIROCUMAB INJECTION · Prolia · Repatha · Rivacor 7 DR-T · Tymlos · VERQUVO · Vascepa · XARELTO · ZONTIVITY
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 (91%) are for meals and travel — low-value interactions that are common across virtually all practicing physicians.
Equivalent to $69 per 100 Medicare services performed
Geographic Context
Cardiologists within 10 mi
20
Per 100K population
4.7
County median income
$51,334
Nearest hospital
VALLEY BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER- BROWNSVILLE
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. Cua is a clinical cardiology specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 17% in TX), with low-engagement industry engagement, 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. Cua experienced with contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Cua performed 2,145 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. Cua receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Cua received a total of $3,371 from 21 companies across 86 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. Cua's costs compare to other cardiologists in Brownsville?
Dr. Cua's average Medicare payment per service is $44. 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. Cua) 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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