Scott Andrew Balson, M.D.

Geriatric Medicine Family Medicine

Family Medicine

Scott Andrew Balson is a Geriatric Medicine Family Medicine specialist based in Tacoma, WA with over 37 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.

Also practices: FAMILY PRACTICE, GENERAL PRACTICE

(253) 459-6597Tacoma, WA
Telehealth Available
NPI Active per CMS — Q2 2026|Medicare Enrolled|Order & Refer

Scott Andrew Balson, M.D. practices as part of a group geriatric medicine family medicine specialist practice in Tacoma, WA. A University of Washington School of Medicine graduate since 1989, he brings 37+ years of experience. CMS Medicare data shows his patients commonly have high cholesterol, hypertension, and arthritis.

At a glance

  • Prescribes opioids less than 41% of reporting doctors in Washington
  • Uses generic medications more than 81% of reporting doctors in Washington
  • Virtual visits available — no app or travel required
1 of 6 Family Medicine providers in WASee all Family Medicine in Tacoma37+ years experienceNPI since 2010

Older · 4147dNPPES updated 2015-01-14 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Washington Medical Commission

Contact & Location

Practice Location

1901 S Union Ave # 244, Tacoma, WA 98405-1702

CMS Clinical Data

How Does This Doctor Compare?

Based on Medicare data, this doctor prescribes opioid pain medications conservatively, favors affordable generic drugs over brand-name ones.

Opioid Rx

↓ Lower = better

2.87%

Washington avg: 5.7 · US avg: 5.1

Higher than most doctors nationally(-2.2 pts)

Typical range among reporting doctors in Washington

2.87% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.

Generic Rx

↑ Higher = better

93.2%

Washington avg: 85.1 · US avg: 82.8

Higher than most doctors nationally(+10.4 pts)

Better than 81% of reporting doctors in Washington

How often this doctor prescribes affordable generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name ones.

Medicare Patients

329

Unique beneficiaries

Standard volume

Prescription Recipients

372

Patients prescribed

Prescriptions Written

3,035

Total claims

Total Medicare drug cost: $179k

Percentile rankings compared against 1,521 reporting peers in Washington.

Data Note: Sourced from CMS Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Percentile rankings compare this provider against all peers with reported data in the same state. Updated annually to reflect the latest federal reporting cycle.

Patient Condition Panel

What This Doctor Treats Most

Based on Medicare claims data — here's what patients commonly see this doctor for

Based on Medicare data, this doctor primarily manages High Cholesterol, Hypertension, and Arthritis.

High Cholesterol
Higher than avg (+5%)75%

Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk

US avg: 70.4%

↑ More patients than average (+5%) — a focus area for this doctor

Hypertension
Higher than avg (+3%)73%

High blood pressure — a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke

US avg: 70.2%

↑ More patients than average (+3%) — a focus area for this doctor

Arthritis
49%

Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness

US avg: 49.3%
Ischemic Heart Disease
Lower than avg (-6%)26%

Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly known as coronary artery disease

US avg: 31.7%

↓ Fewer patients than average (-6%) — less common here

Diabetes
Lower than avg (-12%)22%

A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels

US avg: 34.5%

↓ Fewer patients than average (-12%) — less common here

GeneralBehavioralNational avg

Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.

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Background & Specialty

Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.

Career Journey
  1. Graduated medical school · 1989

    University of Washington School of Medicine

  2. 37 years in practice

    Senior practitioner

Family MedicineGeriatric Medicine in TacomaAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians

A family medicine physician with special knowledge of the aging process and special skills in the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative aspects of illness in the elderly. This specialist cares for geriatric patients in the patient's home, the office, long-term care settings such as nursing homes, and the hospital.

Taxonomy: 207QG0300X

Education & Training

University of Washington School of Medicine (Class of 1989)

Virtual Geriatric Medicine Care With Scott Andrew Balson

NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.

Schedule a virtual visit with Scott Andrew Balson for cholesterol management, blood pressure monitoring, arthritis follow-ups — no travel to Tacoma required. The office sends a secure video link before your appointment. Most visits take 15–30 minutes. Medicare enrolled per CMS records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Scott Andrew Balson

NPI records show Dr. Balson as active with telehealth listed in Tacoma, WA. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (253) 459-6597.

Verified across 4 federal data sources

Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.

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Medical Disclaimer: NPI Telehealth is a provider directory for informational purposes only. This page does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Provider data is sourced from the CMS NPPES federal registry and public Medicare datasets. NPI Telehealth does not verify clinical qualifications beyond federal records. Data may not reflect real-time availability — always contact the provider's office directly to confirm details before seeking care.

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