Quick answers
- Does Nicolas J. Cardenas accept Medicare assignment?
- Yes. Medicare's clinician data says Nicolas J. Cardenas accepts Medicare assignment (the Medicare-approved amount as full payment for covered services), as of October 2, 2026. Ask the office to confirm before your visit.
- How many Medicare patients does Nicolas J. Cardenas see?
- In 2024, CMS data shows 704 Original Medicare patients and 1,200 services for Nicolas J. Cardenas. This counts Original Medicare only and measures volume, not quality.
- What is Nicolas J. Cardenas's NPI number?
- 1518490085. The NPI (National Provider Identifier) is the clinician's permanent federal ID; you can look it up in the official NPI Registry.
Medicare activity in 2024
Official CMS public-use data for Nicolas J. Cardenas, data year 2024 (released May 21, 2026). It covers Original Medicare (fee-for-service) patients only, not Medicare Advantage or other insurance. It shows volume, not quality or outcomes. CMS hides any count of 10 or fewer patients.
| Original Medicare patients | 704 |
|---|---|
| Services billed to Medicare | 1,200 |
| Different services or procedures | 159 |
| Participating Medicare provider | Yes |
| Average age of these patients | 73 |
Most frequent services
- X-ray of chest, 1 view (71045)221 services
- Use of a drug to induce depression of consciousness by physician performing a procedure (5 years or older), initial 15 minutes (99152)75 services
- Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement (76942)59 services
- X-ray of chest, 2 views (71046)57 services
- Review by radiologist of ct guidance for needle placement (77012)50 services
Chronic conditions among these patients
Share of this clinician’s Original Medicare patients with each condition, as published by CMS (it describes the patients, not the care given).
- High blood pressure75%
- High cholesterol75%
- Arthritis53%
- Chronic kidney disease47%
- Diabetes46%
- Ischemic heart disease45%
Practice locations
Addresses where Nicolas J. Cardenas is enrolled with Medicare (CMS data updated October 2, 2026).
- 1515 Holcombe BlvdHouston, TX 77030 (713) 792‑2121
Group practices
Medicare enrollment lists Nicolas J. Cardenas as a member of this group (CMS data updated October 2, 2026).
- Physicians Referral Service2,765 clinicians in the group
Specialties
- Diagnostic Radiologyprimary
Other radiologists in Houston
Clinicians with the same Medicare primary specialty in Houston, TX — not a recommendation.
Other clinicians in Physicians Referral Service
Medicare enrollment lists these clinicians in the same group practice — not a recommendation.
Clinician information
| Credential | MD |
|---|---|
| Graduation year | 2017 (9 years since medical school) |
| Gender (as listed) | Male |
| Medicare assignment | Accepts (Medicare-approved amount as full payment) |
| Telehealth | Offers telehealth services |
| NPI (National Provider Identifier) | 1518490085 |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
Most corrections must be made at the source: clinicians update their NPI Registry record (NPPES) and their Medicare enrollment (PECOS); this page follows the next data release.
Sources
- National Downloadable File (Doctors and Clinicians) — CMS, data updated October 2, 2026, retrieved October 29, 2026
- Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners - by Provider — CMS, data year 2024, released May 21, 2026; Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners - by Provider and Service
- NPI Registry — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NPPES), the clinician’s official record
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare tool to look up clinicians