Thomas Clarence Caves, M.D.
Gastroenterology Internal Medicine
Thomas Clarence Caves is a Gastroenterology Internal Medicine specialist based in Santa Barbara, CA with over 28 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.
Thomas Clarence Caves, M.D. has practiced internal medicine for 28+ years, working in group practice. Trained at New York Medical College (class of 1998), he has been practicing for over 28 years. Among his Medicare patients, common conditions include high cholesterol, hypertension, and arthritis (per CMS data).
At a glance
- Prescribes opioids less than 52% of reporting doctors in California
- Uses generic medications more than 26% of reporting doctors in California
- Virtual visits available — no app or travel required
Older · 2915dNPPES updated 2018-05-31 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Medical Board of California
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 = better0.67%
California avg: 5.2 · US avg: 5.1
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(-4.4 pts)
Typical range among reporting doctors in California0.67% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.
Generic Rx
↑ Higher = better80.9%
California avg: 83.3 · US avg: 82.8
⚠ Lower than most doctors nationally(-1.9 pts)
How often this doctor prescribes affordable generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name ones.
Medicare Patients
929
Unique beneficiaries
High volumePrescription Recipients
889
Patients prescribed
Prescriptions Written
2,255
Total claims
Total Medicare drug cost: $381k
Percentile rankings compared against 9,360 reporting peers in California.
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.
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.
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk
US avg: 70.4%↓ Fewer patients than average (-2%) — less common here
High blood pressure — a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke
US avg: 70.2%↓ Fewer patients than average (-13%) — less common here
Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
US avg: 49.3%↓ Fewer patients than average (-4%) — less common here
Conditions affecting emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder
A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels
US avg: 34.5%↓ Fewer patients than average (-13%) — less common here
A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities
US avg: 31.8%↓ Fewer patients than average (-11%) — less common here
Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.
$566 received from industry
27 transactions reported in 2024 ·Moderate tier
Payments include consulting fees, speaking honoraria, food & beverage, travel, research support, and ownership interests from drug and medical device manufacturers. Disclosure is required by the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act. These payments do not necessarily indicate conflicts of interest. National median: $338 across 136 000 tracked providers.
Tiers — Low: under $500 · Moderate: $500-5 000 · High: $5 000-25 000 · Very High: $25 000+. Source: CMS Open Payments 2024, attributed to Thomas Clarence Caves's NPI.
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Background & Specialty
Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.
Graduated medical school · 1998
New York Medical College
28 years in practice
Experienced
Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat digestive system disorders including GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis), liver disease, pancreatitis, and colon polyps. They perform endoscopies and colonoscopies.
Taxonomy: 207RG0100X
Education & Training
New York Medical College (Class of 1998)
Mailing address
Po Box 62106, Santa Barbara, CA 93160-2106
Differs from practice location
Primary hospital affiliation: Acute Care Hospitals
CMS Certification Number: 200001
View hospital on Medicare Care CompareVirtual Internal Medicine Care With Thomas Clarence Caves
NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.
Schedule a virtual visit with Thomas Clarence Caves for cholesterol management, blood pressure monitoring, arthritis follow-ups — no travel to Santa Barbara 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 Thomas Clarence Caves
NPI records show Dr. Caves as active with telehealth listed in Santa Barbara, CA. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (805) 898-3120.
Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Open Payments 2024 · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.
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Contact Thomas Clarence Caves
Practice Location
317 W Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105-4310
Mailing Address
Po Box 62106, Santa Barbara, CA 93160-2106
This is a provider directory. Contact the office directly to schedule appointments.
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