Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, M.D.
Optician · Laredo, TX
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. Cigarroa 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. Cigarroa
Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa is an optician specialist in Laredo, TX, with 19 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Cigarroa performed 138,035 Medicare services across 17,624 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Cigarroa received a total of $6,539 from 12 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 181 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in optician. 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. Cigarroa 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.
✓ 19 years in practice
▲ Top 1% volume in TX
$6,539 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗138,035
Medicare services
Top 1% in TX for optician
17,624
Unique beneficiaries
$13
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · Not a quality rating · How to read this →
~7,265 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. |
109,200 | $0 | $2 |
| 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. |
3,314 | $62 | $200 |
| 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. |
2,795 | $90 | $257 |
| Methylprednisolone acetate injection, 20 mg A 20 mg injection of methylprednisolone acetate, a corticosteroid medication. This code specifies the drug and dosage administered. |
2,142 | $4 | $30 |
| EKG interpretation and report A standard electrocardiogram test that records the heart's electrical activity using at least 12 leads. The service includes a professional interpretation of the results and a written report. |
1,988 | $6 | $22 |
| Routine 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) A test that records the electrical activity of the heart using at least 12 leads to produce a tracing. |
1,963 | $4 | $37 |
| Echocardiogram, transthoracic An ultrasound of the heart that uses color to show blood flow, rate, direction, and valve function. |
1,701 | $74 | $209 |
| Blood draw (venipuncture) Insertion of a needle into a vein to collect a blood sample. |
1,570 | $8 | $20 |
| 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. |
895 | $61 | $107 |
| 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. |
747 | $168 | $360 |
| 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. |
679 | $10 | $70 |
| Vitamin B-12 injection An injection of vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin) with a dose of up to 1000 mcg. |
580 | $1 | $10 |
| Injection, furosemide, up to 20 mg | 513 | $0 | $30 |
| 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. |
500 | $16 | $66 |
| 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. |
500 | $11 | $50 |
| Basic blood chemical test (calcium, ionized) A blood test that measures basic chemical levels, specifically including calcium and ionized calcium. |
497 | $13 | $25 |
| 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. |
497 | $21 | $129 |
| 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. |
430 | $136 | $385 |
| Injection, dipyridamole, per 10 mg | 399 | $3 | $50 |
| Technetium Tc-99m sestamibi diagnostic injection A diagnostic injection of technetium Tc-99m sestamibi used for imaging studies. |
389 | $101 | $969 |
| 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. |
375 | $99 | $226 |
| 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. |
350 | $92 | $150 |
| Office visit, established patient (10-19 min) An office visit for an existing patient lasting 10 to 19 minutes. The visit involves medical evaluation and management of the patient's condition. |
330 | $41 | $165 |
| 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. |
303 | $110 | $500 |
| 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. |
286 | $9 | $59 |
| CT scan of heart blood vessels and grafts with contrast A CT scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the heart's blood vessels and any surgical grafts. |
273 | $217 | $1,200 |
| Continuous external EKG monitoring, 48 hours to 7 days This procedure involves recording, analyzing, and interpreting a continuous external electrocardiogram (EKG) over a period of more than 48 hours up to 7 days. |
261 | $200 | $354 |
| 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. |
260 | $60 | $300 |
| 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. |
254 | $16 | $63 |
| 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. |
238 | $22 | $60 |
| Pacemaker programming, dual lead system Adjustment and configuration of a dual-lead pacemaker device to ensure proper operation and settings. |
234 | $50 | $231 |
| Flu vaccine administration This procedure involves the administration of the influenza virus vaccine. It covers the process of delivering the vaccine to the patient. |
233 | $30 | $60 |
| 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. |
212 | $125 | $528 |
| 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. |
156 | $4 | $7 |
| Intravenous infusion, 1 hour or less Administration of medication or fluid directly into a vein for therapeutic, preventive, or diagnostic purposes. The procedure lasts one hour or less. |
155 | $47 | $200 |
| 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. |
148 | $38 | $137 |
| Fluorodeoxyglucose f-18 fdg, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 45 millicuries | 132 | $236 | $800 |
| 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. |
128 | $153 | $406 |
| Hospital discharge day management, 30 minutes or less This service covers the final day of hospital care when the patient is being discharged. It includes coordination of care and instructions for the patient within a time frame of 30 minutes or less. |
121 | $62 | $127 |
| 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. |
114 | $2 | $5 |
| 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. |
114 | $38 | $100 |
| 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. |
112 | $66 | $290 |
| 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. |
106 | $75 | $315 |
| Office visit for established patient An office visit for an existing patient that may not require the healthcare professional to be present. |
97 | $13 | $75 |
| CT scan of abdominal aorta and leg arteries with contrast A CT scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the abdominal aorta and the arteries in both legs. |
90 | $214 | $944 |
| CT scan of head blood vessels with contrast A CT scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the blood vessels in the head. |
88 | $121 | $990 |
| CT scan of neck blood vessels with contrast A computed tomography scan that uses dye to visualize the blood vessels in the neck. This imaging test helps examine the structure and flow within the neck's vascular system. |
88 | $77 | $700 |
| 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. |
74 | $45 | $350 |
| 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. |
74 | $166 | $382 |
| 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. |
70 | $13 | $47 |
| Coronary stent placement A procedure to insert a stent into a coronary artery or its branch to keep it open, using balloon dilation during the process. |
70 | $434 | $1,120 |
| Nuclear medicine scan from skull base to mid-thigh with CT A nuclear medicine imaging study covering the area from the base of the skull to the middle of the thighs, performed alongside a CT scan. |
67 | $1,130 | $3,300 |
| Ultrasound of arm or leg veins An ultrasound exam of the veins in one arm or leg using compression and other maneuvers to assess blood flow and check for blockages. |
63 | $68 | $357 |
| Brain nuclear medicine study with metabolic evaluation A nuclear medicine imaging test that uses radioactive tracers to evaluate brain metabolism. This procedure helps assess how brain tissues are functioning at a metabolic level. |
61 | $1,133 | $3,300 |
| 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. |
56 | $72 | $300 |
| 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. |
53 | $132 | $889 |
| Heart muscle strain imaging | 51 | $29 | $120 |
| 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. |
45 | $60 | $143 |
| Complete ultrasound of abdomen A diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures within the abdomen. |
44 | $51 | $199 |
| Blood glucose test using hand-held instrument A test that measures the level of sugar in the blood using a portable device. The result helps monitor blood glucose levels. |
43 | $3 | $15 |
| 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. |
42 | $22 | $68 |
| 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. |
42 | $73 | $330 |
| 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. |
40 | $130 | $289 |
| 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. |
39 | $191 | $650 |
| Cardiac catheterization | 36 | $640 | $6,000 |
| Intracranial artery catheter insertion A radiologist inserts a tube into an artery in the brain for diagnostic or treatment purposes. |
35 | $1,796 | $3,000 |
| Radiologist review of arm or leg artery images A radiologist reviews images of the arteries in one or both arms or legs to assess blood flow and vessel health. |
33 | $124 | $500 |
| Complete ultrasound of retroperitoneum An ultrasound examination of the structures located behind the abdominal cavity. |
33 | $45 | $199 |
| Pacemaker programming, single lead Adjustment and testing of a single-lead pacemaker to ensure it functions correctly. |
30 | $47 | $195 |
| 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. |
29 | $54 | $400 |
| X-ray of upper spine, 2-3 views An X-ray imaging test of the upper spine using two to three different angles to visualize the bones and structures. |
27 | $21 | $45 |
| 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. |
27 | $54 | $235 |
| Arterial tube insertion, first branch A procedure to insert a tube into the first branch of an artery in the abdomen, pelvis, or leg. |
24 | $907 | $2,000 |
| 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 | $22 | $58 |
| 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. |
24 | $11 | $50 |
| CT scan of chest with and without contrast A computed tomography scan of the chest performed using both intravenous contrast dye and without it to provide detailed images of internal structures. |
22 | $74 | $600 |
| 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. |
22 | $19 | $58 |
| Ultrasound of blood vessel, initial vessel An ultrasound exam of a blood vessel that includes a radiologist's review of the initial vessel. |
21 | $726 | $4,500 |
| New patient office visit, complex (60-74 min) | 18 | $152 | $600 |
| 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. |
17 | $397 | $1,651 |
| Coronary angiography A procedure to insert a tube into a coronary artery to capture diagnostic images of the heart's blood vessels. |
17 | $549 | $1,500 |
| CT scan of abdomen with and without contrast A CT scan of the abdomen performed both before and after the administration of contrast dye to provide detailed images of internal structures. |
16 | $134 | $750 |
| X-ray of middle spine, 2 views An X-ray imaging test that produces two views of the middle section of the spine to visualize the bones and joints. |
14 | $17 | $40 |
| CT scan of chest with contrast A computed tomography scan of the chest using a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of internal structures. |
13 | $61 | $500 |
| 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. |
13 | $14 | $52 |
| 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. |
13 | $43 | $143 |
| 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. |
13 | $86 | $183 |
| 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. |
12 | $65 | $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. |
11 | $118 | $500 |
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.
1.8% high complexity
85.7% medium
12.5% routine
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗$6,539
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $934/year across 7 years
Top 23% in TX for optician
12
Companies
181
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
$6,539 (100.0%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$632
2023
$353
2022
$931
2021
$1,054
2020
$2,315
2019
$533
2018
$722
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
$2,456
ABIOMED
$968
Medtronic, Inc.
$853
Boston Scientific Corporation
$808
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
$442
Abbott Laboratories
$404
Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
$370
Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
$139
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
$60
NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
$16
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.
$12
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
$11
Top 3 companies account for 65.4% of total payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
AMPLIA MRI QUAD CRT-D SURESCAN · ANORO ELLIPTA · AVVIGO Guidance System · AZURE XT DR MRI SURESCAN · Advisa · Amplia MRI · Attain · Azure · CARDIOMEMS · CLARIA MRI QUAD CRT-D SURESCAN · COBALT DR MRI SURESCAN · COMPIA MRI QUAD CRT-D SURESCAN · CROME DR MRI SURESCAN · Capsure · CareLink · ClearSight System · Compia MRI · CoreValve Evolut · DIAMONDBACK CORONARY · Diamondback Coronary · Diamondback Peripheral · ELIQUIS · ELUVIA · ENTRESTO · Edwards SAPIEN 3 Transcatheter Heart Valve · Evera · GENERAL THERAPIES · GENERAL - METALLIC STENTS · GENERAL - ULTRASOUND · GENERAL ULTRASOUND · General - Angioplasty · General - Therapies · HawkOne · Impella · JETSTREAM · JETSTREAM SC · LINQ II · MICRA · Micra · PERCEPTA QUAD CRT-P MRI SURESCAN · PRIMO MRI DR SURESCAN · Peripheral RotaLink Plus · ROTALINK · Resolute · Reveal LINQ · SONICISION · TYRX · WATCHMAN · XIENCE SKYPOINT
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.
Equivalent to $5 per 100 Medicare services performed
Geographic Context
Opticians within 10 mi
11
Per 100K population
4.1
County median income
$62,506
Nearest hospital
DOCTORS HOSPITAL OF LAREDO
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. Cigarroa is a mixed practice specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 1% in TX), with low-engagement industry engagement, with 19 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. Cigarroa experienced with contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Cigarroa performed 109,200 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. Cigarroa receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Cigarroa received a total of $6,539 from 12 companies across 181 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. Cigarroa's costs compare to other opticians in Laredo?
Dr. Cigarroa's average Medicare payment per service is $13. 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. Cigarroa) 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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