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Doctor vs Doctor Decision Tool

Dr. Swingle vs Dr. Ellingson

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: 1356066849

Dr. Amanda Swingle, FNP

Nurse Practitioner ยท Mesa, AZ

Consultation Time35 minIn-Depth (30-40 mins)
Markup Level4.16xHigh Markup
Annual Visits38Total volume
The Rushed Visit Index

Thorough Listener

~35 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.

Financial Protection Alert

Higher Out-of-Pocket Billing Risk

This practice submits charges that average 4.2 times customary allowable rates. If you have not met your annual health insurance deductible, or if this doctor is out-of-network with your health plan, you may face significant balance billing.

3 Steps to Protect Your Wallet:
  • Confirm network status: Call your insurer to confirm this specific physician and office address are in-network.
  • Request in-network labs: Before blood draws or biopsies, ask the nurse to send samples exclusively to an in-network commercial laboratory.
  • Ask for a written estimate: Under the No Surprises Act, you are legally entitled to a Good Faith Estimate if you are self-pay or out-of-network.
Doctor Option BNPI: 1851513071

Dr. Brenda Ellingson, NP

Nurse Practitioner ยท Yuma, AZ

Consultation Time39 minIn-Depth (30-40 mins)
Markup Level1.69xFair / Standard
Annual Visits156,243Total volume
The Rushed Visit Index

Thorough Listener

~39 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

1.7x 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.

๐ŸŽฏ Patient Verdict: Key Differences at a Glance

Face-to-Face Patient Listening:

Dr. Ellingson averages 4 more minutes per appointment than Dr. Swingle. If you prioritize extensive discussion and question time, Dr. Ellingson offers a more unhurried experience.

Pricing & Out-of-Pocket Risk:

Dr. Ellingson has a lower billing markup (1.69x vs. 4.16x). Patients with high deductibles or out-of-network coverage will likely incur lower balance bills with Dr. Ellingson.

Shared Clinical Procedures & Charges Comparison

Procedure DescriptionDr. Swingle ChargeDr. Ellingson ChargeStandard Baseline
Medical Procedure HCPCS $NaN$NaN$81