Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Peter Buetow, MD
Radiation Oncology · Bellingham, WA
Practice pattern: Mixed Practice
— Diverse clinical practice across multiple procedure types
High
DATA COVERAGE
Data in 3 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. Buetow 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. Buetow
Dr. Peter Buetow is a radiation oncology specialist in Bellingham, WA, with 21 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Buetow performed 25,024 Medicare services in 2023. These records do not provide a deduplicated patient total.
The Data Coverage level for Dr. Buetow is 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.
✓ 21 years of NPI registration
▲ Top 4% volume in WA
Medicare Practice Summary — 2023
Medicare Utilization ↗25,024
Medicare services
Top 4% in WA for radiation oncology
Not available
Unique patients (not deduplicated)
$8
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
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. |
20,151 | $0 | $1 |
| Gadolinium MRI contrast injection Administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent to enhance magnetic resonance imaging. The dose is measured per milliliter of the agent injected. |
1,287 | $1 | $3 |
| 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. |
460 | $7 | $37 |
| 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. |
218 | $32 | $202 |
| 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. |
213 | $16 | $86 |
| 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. |
213 | $150 | $1,463 |
| Screening mammography An X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms of the disease. |
125 | $106 | $436 |
| 3D screening mammography (tomosynthesis) A screening imaging test of the breast using 3D technology to detect potential abnormalities. |
124 | $47 | $322 |
| CT scan of chest with contrast A computed tomography scan of the chest using a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of internal structures. |
116 | $86 | $1,035 |
| 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. |
110 | $67 | $623 |
| 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. |
108 | $20 | $91 |
| 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. |
103 | $27 | $183 |
| 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. |
90 | $86 | $914 |
| Blood creatinine level test A blood test that measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle wear and tear, to help assess kidney function. |
79 | $5 | $16 |
| 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. |
69 | $19 | $90 |
| Knee X-ray, 4 or more views An imaging test using X-rays to create multiple pictures of the knee joint from different angles. |
68 | $32 | $145 |
| 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. |
65 | $19 | $92 |
| MRI scan of brain, without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging test of the brain that does not use contrast dye. This procedure creates detailed images of the brain's structure using magnetic fields and radio waves. |
63 | $91 | $925 |
| 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. |
63 | $35 | $216 |
| 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. |
55 | $107 | $1,019 |
| 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. |
50 | $16 | $85 |
| Abdominal X-ray, 1 view An X-ray image of the abdomen taken from a single angle to visualize internal structures. |
48 | $10 | $56 |
| MRI of leg joint, without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging scan of a joint in the leg performed without the use of contrast dye. |
47 | $148 | $2,005 |
| 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. |
47 | $47 | $250 |
| X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum of 4 views An X-ray imaging test of the lower back and sacrum using at least four different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
46 | $40 | $196 |
| MRI of brain with and without contrast An MRI scan of the brain using contrast dye both before and after administration to provide detailed images of brain structures. |
43 | $194 | $2,547 |
| 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. |
40 | $71 | $377 |
| Complete ultrasound of retroperitoneum An ultrasound examination of the structures located behind the abdominal cavity. |
40 | $77 | $466 |
| X-ray of hand, minimum of 3 views An X-ray imaging test of the hand that captures at least three different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
35 | $28 | $108 |
| Wrist X-ray, minimum 3 views An imaging test using X-rays to capture at least three different angles of the wrist bones and joints. |
34 | $31 | $116 |
| 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. |
32 | $59 | $329 |
| 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. |
32 | $262 | $3,191 |
| 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. |
31 | $61 | $328 |
| MRI of pelvis with and without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the pelvic area performed both before and after the administration of a contrast dye to enhance image detail. |
31 | $265 | $3,449 |
| 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. |
30 | $28 | $113 |
| 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. |
30 | $89 | $546 |
| MRI of lower spine, without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the lower spinal canal that does not use contrast dye to create detailed images of the spine. |
29 | $153 | $2,006 |
| Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound An ultrasound exam using a probe inserted into the vagina to image the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and surrounding pelvic structures. |
28 | $88 | $416 |
| Complete pelvic ultrasound An imaging test using sound waves to create pictures of the organs and structures within the pelvis. |
28 | $83 | $416 |
| Complete ultrasound scan of joint An ultrasound exam that uses sound waves to create detailed images of a joint. This procedure allows for the visualization of the joint's internal structures. |
27 | $37 | $458 |
| Knee X-ray, 1-2 views An X-ray imaging test of the knee joint using one to two different angles to visualize the bones and surrounding structures. |
26 | $6 | $33 |
| Swallowing function imaging Imaging used to evaluate how well a person can swallow. This procedure visualizes the swallowing process to assess function. |
25 | $19 | $99 |
| 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. |
25 | $27 | $113 |
| Ultrasound of arm and leg arteries A non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to examine the blood vessels in the arms and legs. It evaluates blood flow and checks for blockages or other vascular issues. |
25 | $17 | $85 |
| Complete ultrasound of abdomen A diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures within the abdomen. |
24 | $71 | $485 |
| Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement Use of real-time X-ray imaging to guide the precise placement of a needle during a medical procedure. |
22 | $91 | $267 |
| X-ray of upper spine, 4-5 views An X-ray imaging test of the upper spine using 4 to 5 different views to visualize the bones and structures in that area. |
21 | $38 | $184 |
| 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. |
21 | $33 | $216 |
| MRI of arm joint, without contrast An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the arm joint. This specific procedure is performed without the use of a contrast dye. |
21 | $167 | $1,943 |
| Limited ultrasound of joint or extremity A focused ultrasound exam of a specific joint or other structure in the arm or leg, excluding blood vessels. |
20 | $30 | $148 |
| 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. |
20 | $23 | $130 |
| CT scan of heart for calcium evaluation A CT scan of the heart used to evaluate calcium levels in the blood vessels. |
19 | $61 | $361 |
| Ultrasound of abdominal aorta An imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the abdominal aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lower body. |
19 | $109 | $417 |
| Pelvis X-ray, 1-2 views An X-ray imaging test of the pelvic area using one to two different angles to visualize the bones and joints. |
18 | $6 | $32 |
| 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. |
18 | $279 | $3,452 |
| X-ray of multiple joints An X-ray imaging test that captures images of several joints simultaneously to evaluate their structure and alignment. |
18 | $36 | $178 |
| 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. |
17 | $28 | $123 |
| X-ray of both hips, 3-4 views An X-ray imaging test that captures 3 to 4 views of both hip joints to visualize the bones and surrounding structures. |
15 | $41 | $286 |
| CT scan of neck soft tissue with contrast A computed tomography scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of the soft tissues in the neck. |
14 | $120 | $1,189 |
| 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. |
13 | $311 | $3,925 |
| Rib X-ray, minimum 3 views An X-ray imaging test of the ribs on one side of the body. The procedure includes a minimum of three different views to capture detailed images. |
12 | $31 | $146 |
| CT scan of middle spine, without contrast A CT scan of the middle spine performed without the use of contrast dye. This imaging test uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the vertebrae and surrounding structures. |
12 | $36 | $216 |
| X-ray of lower leg, 2 views An X-ray imaging test of the lower leg using two different angles to visualize the bones and surrounding structures. |
12 | $6 | $34 |
| Limited ultrasound of pelvis A focused ultrasound exam of the pelvic area to evaluate specific structures. This procedure provides images of the pelvis to assist in medical assessment. |
12 | $29 | $352 |
| Methylprednisolone acetate injection, 80 mg An injection of 80 mg of methylprednisolone acetate, a corticosteroid medication. |
12 | $8 | $29 |
| Joint injection, major joint Removal of fluid from a large joint and/or injection of medication into the joint space. |
11 | $49 | $281 |
| 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. |
11 | $22 | $128 |
| MRI of upper spine without contrast An MRI scan of the upper spinal canal that does not use contrast dye. This imaging test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the spine. |
11 | $140 | $1,937 |
| Double contrast esophagram An X-ray of the esophagus using two types of contrast material to create detailed images of the upper digestive tract. |
11 | $84 | $337 |
| 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. |
11 | $29 | $109 |
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. These counts do not measure clinical quality or years of experience.
Geographic Context
Radiation oncologists in nearby ZIP areas
23
County median income
$80,989
Nearest hospital to ZIP centroid (approximate)
ST JOSEPH HOSPITAL
0.0 mi
0.0 mi
Data Sources
| Provider Registry | ✓ NPPES | NPPES snapshot; verify current record |
| Medicare Enrollment | ✓ PECOS | PECOS snapshot |
| Practice Data | ✓ Medicare Util. | Annual (CY lag) |
| Industry Payments | — No payments | N/A |
| Disciplinary History | — Not included | N/A |
This provider has data in 3 of 4 available federal datasets, with a Data Coverage level of High. This reflects how much public data is available about a provider. How we calculate this →
Summary
Dr. Buetow is a mixed practice specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 4% in WA), with 21 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. Buetow experienced with contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Buetow performed 20,151 contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based) services. These records cover Medicare fee-for-service activity, including eligible younger beneficiaries; they do not measure total practice volume or clinical quality.
How do Dr. Buetow's costs compare to other radiation oncologists in Bellingham?
Dr. Buetow's average Medicare payment per service is $8. 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 High for Dr. Buetow) 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 the presence of registry, enrollment, activity or payment records, not verified experience or clinical quality. 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?
Source publication dates and the snapshots loaded on this site can differ. Rebuilding a page does not refresh its source records. Check the Medicare reporting year and the payment interval shown above; consult the linked official sources for newer releases and current registry details. See our data freshness policy →
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About this page
This page combines public CMS records with calculated summaries and explanatory procedure labels. These transformations are not verbatim federal records. Sources: NPPES ↗, 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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