Medicare Enrolled
Dr. Joseph Sam, M.D.
Radiation Oncology · Tacoma, WA
Practice pattern: Mixed Practice
— Diverse clinical practice across multiple procedure types
Consulting-driven
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. Sam 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. Sam
Dr. Joseph Sam is a radiation oncology specialist in Tacoma, WA, with 20 years of NPI registration. Based on federal Medicare data, Dr. Sam performed 44,634 Medicare services across 2,909 unique beneficiaries.
Between the years covered by Open Payments, Dr. Sam received a total of $53,023 from 7 pharmaceutical and/or device companies across 16 individual payments. These payments are legal, publicly disclosed under the federal Sunshine Act, and common in radiation oncology. The majority of payments are for consulting, which typically reflects recognized clinical expertise sought by manufacturers. Patients may wish to discuss these relationships with their provider.
The Data Coverage level for Dr. Sam 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 1% volume in WA
$53,023 industry payments
Medicare Practice Summary
Medicare Utilization ↗44,634
Medicare services
Top 1% in WA for radiation oncology
2,909
Unique beneficiaries
$27
Avg. Medicare payment
Medicare patients only (65+ / disabled) · How to read this →
~2,232 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. |
29,282 | $0 | $1 |
| MRI contrast dye injection (gadobutrol) | 11,332 | $0 | $2 |
| Piflufolastat F-18 diagnostic injection A diagnostic injection of the radioactive tracer piflufolastat F-18 used for imaging. The dose specified is 1 millicurie. |
741 | $483 | $1,546 |
| Gadobenate dimeglumine injection Administration of gadobenate dimeglumine, a contrast agent used to enhance imaging results. |
524 | $1 | $15 |
| 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. |
285 | $237 | $1,850 |
| 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. |
283 | $1,267 | $4,402 |
| CT scan of chest with contrast A computed tomography scan of the chest using a contrast dye to enhance the visibility of internal structures. |
276 | $79 | $754 |
| Gallium Ga-68 gozetotide diagnostic injection A diagnostic injection of the radiopharmaceutical Gallium Ga-68 gozetotide (brand name Illuccix) used for imaging purposes. |
230 | $840 | $2,264 |
| Fluorodeoxyglucose f-18 fdg, diagnostic, per study dose, up to 45 millicuries | 181 | $278 | $813 |
| 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. |
94 | $17 | $66 |
| Whole body bone and joint nuclear medicine scan A nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a radioactive tracer to create pictures of the entire skeleton and joints. This scan helps evaluate bone health and detect abnormalities throughout the body. |
92 | $29 | $141 |
| 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. |
88 | $5 | $22 |
| 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. |
79 | $201 | $1,884 |
| 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. |
75 | $68 | $548 |
| 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. |
68 | $104 | $1,071 |
| 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. |
62 | $171 | $2,186 |
| 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. |
55 | $9 | $34 |
| 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. |
47 | $107 | $958 |
| 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. |
44 | $58 | $263 |
| Lung ventilation and perfusion scan A nuclear medicine test that uses radioactive tracers to evaluate both air flow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs. |
38 | $39 | $175 |
| 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. |
37 | $67 | $303 |
| Nuclear medicine stomach emptying study A nuclear medicine test used to assess how quickly the stomach empties its contents. |
36 | $28 | $160 |
| 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. |
34 | $7 | $31 |
| 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. |
32 | $105 | $945 |
| 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. |
31 | $22 | $79 |
| 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. |
31 | $122 | $1,366 |
| 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. |
30 | $17 | $66 |
| Nuclear medicine liver and bile duct study with drugs A nuclear medicine imaging test to examine the liver and bile duct system using administered drugs. |
29 | $32 | $148 |
| 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. |
26 | $95 | $972 |
| 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. |
24 | $145 | $882 |
| 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. |
24 | $82 | $922 |
| MRI of leg joint, without contrast A magnetic resonance imaging scan of a joint in the leg performed without the use of contrast dye. |
24 | $107 | $945 |
| Bone scan with multiple time points A nuclear medicine imaging test that captures images of the bones at various intervals to assess bone health and detect abnormalities. |
24 | $38 | $166 |
| 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. |
23 | $19 | $76 |
| 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. |
23 | $18 | $87 |
| Lymphatic system nuclear medicine study A nuclear medicine imaging test used to evaluate the structure and function of the lymphatic system. |
23 | $44 | $195 |
| SPECT nuclear medicine scan, 1 area A nuclear medicine imaging test using a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan to create detailed images of one specific area of the body. |
21 | $38 | $172 |
| Complete ultrasound of abdomen A diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures within the abdomen. |
20 | $59 | $274 |
| 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. |
19 | $64 | $315 |
| 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. |
18 | $94 | $249 |
| 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. |
18 | $51 | $212 |
| Injection of radioactive material for lymph node identification A radioactive substance is injected to help locate lymph nodes during imaging procedures. |
17 | $26 | $142 |
| 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. |
17 | $19 | $75 |
| MRI of middle spinal canal, without contrast This procedure uses magnetic resonance imaging to create detailed pictures of the middle section of the spinal canal. It is performed without the use of contrast dye. |
17 | $86 | $1,085 |
| 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. |
16 | $27 | $100 |
| 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. |
15 | $57 | $394 |
| Nuclear medicine liver and bile duct scan A nuclear medicine imaging test to evaluate the liver and bile duct system. |
15 | $27 | $122 |
| 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. |
15 | $1,253 | $4,500 |
| Complete ultrasound of retroperitoneum An ultrasound examination of the structures located behind the abdominal cavity. |
14 | $28 | $123 |
| 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. |
13 | $204 | $2,154 |
| Nuclear medicine study to assess blood loss A nuclear medicine test used to evaluate and locate active bleeding within the body. |
13 | $36 | $162 |
| Whole body nuclear medicine scan with CT A combined imaging procedure using nuclear medicine and CT scans to visualize the entire body. |
13 | $1,275 | $4,341 |
| 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. |
12 | $74 | $558 |
| Abdominal X-ray, 1 view An X-ray image of the abdomen taken from a single angle to visualize internal structures. |
12 | $7 | $31 |
| Complete pelvic ultrasound An imaging test using sound waves to create pictures of the organs and structures within the pelvis. |
11 | $24 | $115 |
| Nuclear medicine kidney study with drug administration A nuclear medicine test that evaluates kidney blood flow and function using a radioactive tracer and drug administration. |
11 | $44 | $196 |
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.
0.1% high complexity
98.5% medium
1.4% routine
Industry Payment Transparency
Open Payments through 2024 ↗$53,023
Total received (2018-2024)
Avg $7,575/year across 7 years
Top 3% in WA for radiation oncology
A higher payment rank reflects disclosed industry relationships (consulting, research, speaking) common among subspecialists — not wrongdoing.
7
Companies
16
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.
Consulting
Expert advisory fees, typically reflecting recognized clinical expertise
$50,600 (95.4%)
Meals & Travel
Food, beverages, travel, and lodging — typically low-value
$2,423 (4.6%)
Payment trend by year
Annual totals from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
2024
$163
2023
$23
2022
$146
2021
$50,600
2020
$18
2019
$1,949
2018
$123
Payments by company (2024)
Consulting
Speaking
Meals & Travel
Research
Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc.
$163
Top 3 companies account for 100.0% of 2024 payments
All-time payments by company (2018-2024) ›
Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Inc.
$52,698
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$119
Biocompatibles, Inc.
$100
Abbott Laboratories
$46
GE HealthCare
$27
Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.
$18
Medtronic USA, Inc.
$14
Top 3 companies account for 99.8% of all-time payments
Associated products mentioned in payments ›
Fox Sv PTA catheter and Armada 14 percutaneous catheter and Viatrac 14 Plus peripheral catheter · JETI · KYPHON Balloon Kyphoplasty · PYLARIFY · THERASPHERE - BIO
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 (95%) are consulting fees, which typically reflect recognized clinical expertise sought by manufacturers. Total industry engagement is in the top 3% for radiation oncology in WA.
Geographic Context
Radiation oncologists within 10 mi
241
Per 100K population
26.1
County median income
$96,632
Nearest hospital
ST JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
1.4 mi
1.4 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. Sam is a mixed practice specialist, with above-average Medicare volume (top 1% in WA), with consulting-driven industry engagement in the top 3% of WA peers, 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. Sam experienced with contrast dye for imaging (iodine-based)?
Based on Medicare claims data, Dr. Sam performed 29,282 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. Sam receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?
Yes. Dr. Sam received a total of $53,023 from 7 companies across 16 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. Sam's costs compare to other radiation oncologists in Tacoma?
Dr. Sam's average Medicare payment per service is $27. 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. Sam) 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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