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Doctor vs Doctor Decision Tool

Dr. Meledathu vs Dr. Lucasti

Make an informed decision based on verified clinical facts. See which doctor spends more time listening in the exam room and charges fair prices aligned with standard insurance baselines.

Doctor Option ANPI: 1023471992

Dr. Sherin Meledathu, D.O.

Infectious Disease ยท Mount Laurel, NJ

Consultation Time45 minExtended Visits (40+ mins)
Markup Level2.44xFair / Standard
Annual Visits29,463Total volume
The Rushed Visit Index

Thorough Listener

~45 min face-time

Consistently devotes longer face-to-face evaluations. Ideal for complex medical concerns, multiple symptoms, or patients who value comprehensive discussion without feeling rushed.

How is appointment length calculated?

Visit durations reflect official documentation standards for Evaluation and Management (E/M) office billing codes (CPT 99202 through 99215).

Physicians who bill higher-level comprehensive visits (such as 99214 and 99215) consistently spend 30 to 45 minutes reviewing complex records and discussing care plans, whereas routine refill clinics predominantly bill briefer level 2 and 3 codes.

Fair Pricing Standard

Aligned with Customary Rates

2.4x Markup

This physician's billed charges remain close to standard insurance allowable rates (within 2.5 times baseline). Patients visiting this practice rarely encounter extreme out-of-pocket price inflation.

Doctor Option BNPI: 1467447417

Dr. Christopher Lucasti, DO FACOI

Infectious Disease ยท Somers Point, NJ

Consultation Time42 minExtended Visits (40+ mins)
Markup Level2.75xModerate Markup
Annual Visits112,782Total volume
The Rushed Visit Index

Thorough Listener

~42 min face-time

Consistently devotes longer face-to-face evaluations. Ideal for complex medical concerns, multiple symptoms, or patients who value comprehensive discussion without feeling rushed.

How is appointment length calculated?

Visit durations reflect official documentation standards for Evaluation and Management (E/M) office billing codes (CPT 99202 through 99215).

Physicians who bill higher-level comprehensive visits (such as 99214 and 99215) consistently spend 30 to 45 minutes reviewing complex records and discussing care plans, whereas routine refill clinics predominantly bill briefer level 2 and 3 codes.

๐ŸŽฏ Patient Verdict: Key Differences at a Glance

Face-to-Face Patient Listening:

Dr. Meledathu averages 3 more minutes per appointment than Dr. Lucasti. If you prioritize extensive discussion and question time, Dr. Meledathu offers a more unhurried experience.

Pricing & Out-of-Pocket Risk:

Dr. Meledathu has a lower billing markup (2.44x vs. 2.75x). Patients with high deductibles or out-of-network coverage will likely incur lower balance bills with Dr. Meledathu.

Shared Clinical Procedures & Charges Comparison

Procedure DescriptionDr. Meledathu ChargeDr. Lucasti ChargeStandard Baseline
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$0
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$82
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$1
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$181
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$71
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$13
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$135
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$61