Steven T Wai, MD
Anesthesiology · Santa Cruz
- Medicare standing
- Clear
- Enrolled, allowed to bill and order, not excluded
- Plans that list them
- Not verified
- Not the same as out of network.
- Office
- 1
Offices
1 location · Anesthesia Medical Group of Santa Cruz Inc · 19 clinicians in this group
Looking this up.
Hospitals listed: Dominican Hospital. That is not proof they admit you there this week.
Plan participation
Not verified
We could not verify current plan participation for this doctor. This does not mean they are out of network. Call Dr. Wai’s office at (831) 462-7700 to ask if they take your plan before you enroll.
California Medical Board record
Licence G66147 · Current
Licensed to practise in California · since 1989 · expires 2028-08-31 · Tufts University School of Medicine.
No disciplinary actions, convictions, malpractice judgments or citations in this record.
Hospitals they work in
1 hospital
These rate the hospital, not this clinician. Most measures at most hospitals are no different from the national rate.
- Dominican HospitalSanta Cruz, CAAcute Care Hospital · Voluntary non-profit - Private · Has an emergency department · Birthing-friendlyPart of CommonSpirit Health, which runs 145 hospitals in 19 statesPatients rate it 4 of 5 · 68% would definitely recommend itOverall rating: 4 of 5 starsWorse than the national rate — Postoperative sepsis rate: 11.66 (8.02 to 15.3) · 412 cases, Jul 2022 – Jun 2024Better than the national rate — Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (ICU + select Wards): 0.168, Oct 2024 – Sep 2025Better than the national rate — Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (ICU + select Wards): 0.169, Oct 2024 – Sep 2025Better than the national rate — Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff): 0.489, Oct 2024 – Sep 2025
See every measure and the patient survey for Dominican Hospital
Behind the star rating — Deaths: 1 better, 7 the same, 0 worse of 8 measures. Safety: 2 better, 5 the same, 0 worse of 7 measures. Readmissions: 1 better, 8 the same, 2 worse of 11 measures. The star rating is worked out from an earlier period than the measures below, so the two can disagree.
| Postoperative sepsis rateComplications and deaths | 11.66 (8.02 to 15.3) · 412 cases | Worse | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (ICU + select Wards)Infections | 0.168 | Better | Oct 2024 – Sep 2025 |
| Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection (ICU + select Wards)Infections | 0.169 | Better | Oct 2024 – Sep 2025 |
| Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff)Infections | 0.489 | Better | Oct 2024 – Sep 2025 |
| Abdominopelvic accidental puncture or laceration rateComplications and deaths | 1.01 (0.06 to 1.95) · 1,248 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| CMS Medicare PSI 90: Patient safety and adverse events compositeComplications and deaths | 1.14 (0.85 to 1.43) | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Death rate among surgical inpatients with serious treatable complicationsComplications and deaths | 134.37 (94.33 to 174.41) · 132 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Death rate for CABG surgery patientsComplications and deaths | 2.4 · 54 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Death rate for COPD patientsComplications and deaths | 7.2 · 137 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Death rate for heart attack patientsComplications and deaths | 12 · 228 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Death rate for heart failure patientsComplications and deaths | 10.5 · 534 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Death rate for pneumonia patientsComplications and deaths | 12.8 · 491 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Death rate for stroke patientsComplications and deaths | 8.7 · 278 cases | None | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 |
| Hybrid Hospital-Wide All-Cause Risk Standardized Mortality RateComplications and deaths | 3.4 · 2,973 cases | None | Jul 2024 – Jun 2025 |
| Iatrogenic pneumothorax rateComplications and deaths | 0.14 (0 to 0.34) · 7,510 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| In-hospital fall-associated fracture rateComplications and deaths | 0.21 (0.02 to 0.4) · 7,695 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Perioperative pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis rateComplications and deaths | 3.42 (1.44 to 5.4) · 1,594 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Postoperative acute kidney injury requiring dialysis rateComplications and deaths | 1.26 (0 to 2.76) · 436 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Postoperative hemorrhage or hematoma rateComplications and deaths | 1.85 (0.4 to 3.29) · 1,474 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Postoperative respiratory failure rateComplications and deaths | 8.73 (3 to 14.46) · 437 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Postoperative wound dehiscence rateComplications and deaths | 1.58 (0.13 to 3.03) · 343 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| Pressure ulcer rateComplications and deaths | 0.57 (0 to 1.17) · 6,336 cases | No different | Jul 2022 – Jun 2024 |
| MRSA BacteremiaInfections | 0.615 | No different | Oct 2024 – Sep 2025 |
| SSI - Colon SurgeryInfections | 1.937 | No different | Oct 2024 – Sep 2025 |
| Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) 30-Day Readmission RateUnplanned return visits | 16 · 212 cases | None | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 |
| Heart failure (HF) 30-Day Readmission RateUnplanned return visits | 22 · 505 cases | None | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 |
| Hospital return days for heart attack patientsUnplanned return visits | 45 · 237 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Hospital return days for heart failure patientsUnplanned return visits | -13.5 · 594 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Hospital return days for pneumonia patientsUnplanned return visits | 1.9 · 510 cases | None | Jul 2022 – Jun 2025 |
| Pneumonia (PN) 30-Day Readmission RateUnplanned return visits | 16.9 · 473 cases | None | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 |
| Rate of emergency department (ED) visits for patients receiving outpatient chemotherapyUnplanned return visits | 5.2 (3.4 to 7.8) · 126 cases | No different | Jan 2024 – Dec 2024 |
| Rate of inpatient admissions for patients receiving outpatient chemotherapyUnplanned return visits | 13 (9.4 to 17.7) · 126 cases | No different | Jan 2024 – Dec 2024 |
| Rate of readmission for CABGUnplanned return visits | 12.7 · 43 cases | None | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 |
| Rate of readmission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patientsUnplanned return visits | 19.7 · 143 cases | None | Jul 2023 – Jun 2025 |
| Rate of unplanned hospital visits after colonoscopy (per 1,000 colonoscopies)Unplanned return visits | 12.1 (9.4 to 15.4) · 1,585 cases | No different | Jan 2022 – Dec 2024 |
| Ratio of unplanned hospital visits after hospital outpatient surgeryUnplanned return visits | 1 (0.7 to 1.3) · 390 cases | No different | Jan 2024 – Dec 2024 |
What patients said (774 patients answered, 23% of those asked)
| Cleanliness | 4 |
| Nurse communication | 4 |
| Doctor communication | 4 |
| Communication about medicines | 3 |
| Discharge information | 4 |
| Overall hospital rating | 3 |
| Quietness | 1 |
| Recommend hospital | 4 |
| Room was "always" clean | 73% |
| Nurses "always" communicated well | 79% |
| Doctors "always" communicated well | 81% |
| Staff "always" explained | 61% |
| Yes, staff "did" give patients this information | 87% |
| Yes, staff "did" give patients information about help after discharge | 86% |
| Doctors "always" explained things so they could understand | 77% |
| Doctors "always" listened carefully | 79% |
| Doctors "always" treated them with courtesy and respect | 87% |
| Patients who gave a rating of "9" or "10" (high) | 67% |
| Staff "always" explained new medications | 75% |
| Nurses "always" explained things so they could understand | 76% |
| Nurses "always" listened carefully | 76% |
| Nurses "always" treated them with courtesy and respect | 85% |
| "Always" quiet at night | 32% |
| "YES", patients would definitely recommend the hospital | 68% |
| Staff "always" explained possible side effects | 48% |
| Yes, staff "did" give patients information about possible symptoms | 88% |
Original Medicare doctor bills
$65,558
Medicare paid this office $65,558 for 335 people.
This is what Medicare paid the clinician — not Medicare Advantage, and not the pharmacy.
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 16 | $5,363 | $335 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on esophagus, stomach, or upper small bowel using an endoscope | 35 | $4,385 | $122 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on large bowel using an endoscope | 37 | $4,111 | $111 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower abdomen | 11 | $3,438 | $286 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on upper 2/3rd of thigh bone | 11 | $2,811 | $256 |
See all 14 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 16 | $5,363 | $335 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on esophagus, stomach, or upper small bowel using an endoscope | 35 | $4,385 | $122 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on large bowel using an endoscope | 37 | $4,111 | $111 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower abdomen | 11 | $3,438 | $286 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on upper 2/3rd of thigh bone | 11 | $2,811 | $256 |
| Anesthesia for exam of colon using an endoscope | 20 | $2,425 | $121 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on small and large bowel using an endoscope | 15 | $2,175 | $145 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on urinary system through urethra | 13 | $1,535 | $118 |
| Anesthesia for procedure to correct abnormal heart rhythm | 15 | $1,429 | $89 |
| Injection of anesthetic agent and/or steroid into arm nerve bundle (brachial plexus) | 15 | $784 | $52 |
| Insertion of artery tube for blood sampling or infusion through skin | 22 | $756 | $34 |
| Injection of anesthetic agent and/or steroid into other nerve or branch | 12 | $409 | $34 |
| Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement | 16 | $387 | $24 |
| Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access | 23 | $272 | $11 |
Who their Medicare patients are
335 Original Medicare patients in 2024. Average age 75 · Under 65 6% · 85 and older 14% · Women 56% · Also on Medicaid 24% · Health risk score 1.65. Above the middle of the specialty; the typical anesthesiology clinician is at 1.54.
Conditions among them: High blood pressure 75% · Atrial fibrillation 33% · Diabetes 29% · Coronary heart disease 28% · Chronic kidney disease 27% · Depression 27% · Heart failure 26% · Cancer 20% · COPD 18% · Stroke 7% · Dementia 6%.
The office billed $520,781, Medicare allowed $81,742 and paid $65,558; for 458 services of 75 kinds.
Original Medicare patients only. A risk score of 1.0 is the average Medicare patient; higher means sicker. Any count under 11 is hidden.
Year by year
| 2024 | 335 | 458 | 75 | 1.65 | $520,781 | $65,558 |
| 2023 | 268 | 386 | 75 | 1.61 | $426,648 | $56,326 |
| 2022 | 282 | 407 | 76 | 1.58 | $391,194 | $55,372 |
| 2021 | 73 | 97 | 74 | 1.61 | $122,010 | $19,152 |
| 2020 | 90 | 116 | 75 | 1.75 | $142,440 | $22,410 |
| 2019 | 107 | 133 | 73 | 1.87 | $159,210 | $25,114 |
| 2018 | 146 | 178 | 74 | 2.04 | $215,350 | $34,171 |
| 2017 | 161 | 192 | 74 | 2.13 | $238,440 | $36,736 |
| 2016 | 155 | 171 | 73 | 1.89 | $221,020 | $35,182 |
| 2015 | 135 | 162 | 72 | 2.23 | $213,840 | $33,802 |
| 2014 | 169 | 202 | 74 | 1.77 | $268,890 | $42,481 |
| 2013 | 187 | 230 | 74 | 1.84 | $292,200 | $46,152 |
Original Medicare only. A service billed for fewer than 11 people in a year is hidden, so the lines can add up to less than the year's total.
See the services billed each year
2023: 9 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on large bowel using an endoscope | 26 | $3,094 | $115 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on esophagus, stomach, or upper small bowel using an endoscope | 23 | $3,020 | $126 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on small and large bowel using an endoscope | 15 | $2,277 | $152 |
| Anesthesia for procedure to correct abnormal heart rhythm | 19 | $1,889 | $94 |
| Anesthesia for removal of urinary bladder tumors including use of an endoscope | 11 | $1,732 | $157 |
| Insertion of artery tube for blood sampling or infusion through skin | 25 | $892 | $36 |
| Injection of anesthetic agent and/or steroid into other nerve or branch | 13 | $454 | $35 |
| Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement | 18 | $451 | $25 |
| Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access | 25 | $296 | $11 |
2022: 11 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on esophagus, stomach, or upper small bowel using an endoscope | 44 | $5,817 | $132 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower abdomen | 18 | $5,300 | $279 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 18 | $5,232 | $291 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on large bowel using an endoscope | 26 | $3,403 | $131 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on small and large bowel using an endoscope | 17 | $2,640 | $147 |
| Anesthesia for procedure to correct abnormal heart rhythm | 23 | $2,375 | $99 |
| Insertion of artery tube for blood sampling or infusion through skin | 24 | $877 | $37 |
| Daily hospital management of continuous spinal drug administration | 13 | $798 | $53 |
| Ultrasonic guidance for needle placement | 26 | $675 | $26 |
| Injection of anesthetic agent and/or steroid into other nerve or branch | 16 | $538 | $32 |
| Ultrasonic guidance for blood vessel access | 23 | $299 | $12 |
2020: 1 service
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower leg, ankle, and foot bones | 15 | $2,105 | $140 |
2019: 2 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 14 | $3,829 | $274 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower leg, ankle, and foot bones | 18 | $2,669 | $148 |
2018: 4 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 13 | $4,382 | $337 |
| Anesthesia for procedure for total knee joint replacement | 11 | $3,287 | $299 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on esophagus, stomach, or upper small bowel using an endoscope | 16 | $2,270 | $142 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower leg, ankle, and foot bones | 14 | $1,931 | $138 |
2017: 2 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 20 | $6,065 | $276 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on lower leg, ankle, and foot bones | 12 | $2,105 | $175 |
2016: 4 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 17 | $5,009 | $295 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on hip joint | 12 | $3,247 | $271 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on lower intestine using an endoscope | 17 | $2,659 | $156 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on skin of arms, legs, and front body | 12 | $1,846 | $142 |
2015: 2 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 17 | $5,025 | $296 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope | 11 | $2,192 | $169 |
2014: 7 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 15 | $4,466 | $298 |
| Anesthesia for procedure for total knee joint replacement | 11 | $3,461 | $315 |
| Anesthesia for other procedure on hip joint | 11 | $2,649 | $241 |
| Anesthesia for placement or revision of blood flow shunt | 11 | $2,583 | $235 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope | 12 | $2,021 | $168 |
| Anesthesia for lens surgery | 14 | $1,927 | $120 |
| Injections of substances into lower or sacral spine | 12 | $747 | $62 |
2013: 5 services
| Anesthesia for other procedure on upper abdomen | 22 | $6,735 | $306 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope | 30 | $4,664 | $155 |
| Anesthesia for insertion of permanent heart pacemaker | 16 | $3,627 | $227 |
| Anesthesia for procedure on lower intestine using an endoscope | 12 | $1,960 | $163 |
| Injections of substances into lower or sacral spine | 18 | $1,395 | $78 |
Money from drug and device companies
$122 in 2025
| 2025 | 1 | 1 | None | $122 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | None | $246 |
| 2020 | 1 | 1 | None | $124 |
| 2019 | 4 | 4 | None | $322 |
Paid work is consulting, speaking, honoraria and royalties, as opposed to meals and travel.
A payment is not proof that care is biased.
| Lilly USA | Mounjaro | $122 | 1 payment
|
See the published payment
| Lilly USA | Meals · 2025-08-06 | Mounjaro | $122 |
See earlier years (2023, 2020, 2019)
2023: $246
| Mayne Pharma Commercial | Nextstellis | $125 | 1 payment
|
| Chiesi USA | Cleviprex | $121 | 1 payment
|
2020: $124
| AcelRx Pharmaceuticals | Dsuvia | $124 | 1 payment
|
2019: $322
| Merck Sharp & Dohme | Bridion | $125 | 1 payment
|
| AcelRx Pharmaceuticals | Dsuvia | $120 | 1 payment
|
| Scilex Pharmaceuticals | Ztlido 30 Pouch in 1 Carton 1 Patch in 1 Pouch | $61 | 1 payment
|
| Emergent BioSolutions | Narcan | $15 | 1 payment
|
Professional record
- NPI
- 1750346508
- Licence
- CA G66147California G66147: Current · expires 2028-08-31
- Trained
- Tufts University School of Medicine, 1983
- Gender
- Male
More record details
- Sole proprietor
- Yes
- Medicaid ID
- CA 00G661470
- Taxonomy
- Federal specialty code 207L00000X (207L00000X); Federal specialty code 207LP2900X (207LP2900X)
- Mailing address
- 210 N Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
- NPI first listed
- 2006-04-17
- NPI last updated
- 2015-09-03
This is when the NPI record was last certified, not a medical board exam.