KAREN S NIPPER M.D.
NPI 1124093059
Ophthalmology in Waterbury, CT

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Karen Nipper is registered with Medicare and accepts claims assignment, this means the provider accepts the approved amount for the cost of rendered services as full payment. Participating providers may not charge beneficiaries more than the approved amount for their services. Please keep in mind that beneficiaries still have to pay a coinsurance or copayment amount for a visit or service.

Karen Nipper is enrolled in PECOS and is eligible to order or refer health care services for Medicare patients. The provider is eligible to order or refer: Part B Clinical Laboratory and Imaging, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), a Home Health Agency (HHA) and Power Mobility Devices.

What is PECOS?
PECOS is the online Medicare enrollment management system or Provider, Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System. The PECOS system is a database of providers who have registered with CMS as providers or suppliers. PECOS is the primary source of information about verified Medicare professionals. Providers that want to participate in this program need to enroll in PECOS with their NPI number to avoid denied claims.

• Is the provider registered in PECOS? Yes

• PECOS PAC ID: 547235293

  What is the PECOS Associate Control ID?
  A PAC ID is a unique 10-digit number assigned to an individual or organization healthcare provider in PECOS. The PAC ID is used to link together all the provider information, like tax identification numbers and organizational names. A PAC ID can be connected to multiple Enrollment IDs if an individual or organization has enrolled in PECOS more than once.

• PECOS Enrollment ID: I20151203001517

  What is the Provider Enrollment ID?
  The Enrollment ID is a unique alphanumeric 15-digit code assigned to each new provider's PECOS enrollment application. The Enrollment ID is used to link together all the provider enrollment information like enrollment type, state, provider specialty, and reassignment of benefits.

• Accepts Medicare Assignment? Yes

  What does it mean "accepts medicare assignment"?
  When a provider accepts Medicare assignment, the provider agrees to be paid directly by Medicare and to accept the payment amount approved by Medicare. Additionally, the provider agrees to not bill patients for more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance amounts.
  A provider who doesn't accept assignment may charge you up to 15% over the Medicare-approved amount. This is known as the limiting charge. You may have to pay this amount, or it may be covered by another insurer.

• Eligible to Order or Refer Part B Clinical Laboratory and Imaging: Yes

• Eligible to Order or Refer Durable Medical Equipment (DMEPOS): Yes

• Eligible to Order or Refer a Home Health Agency (HHA): Yes

• Eligible to Order or Refer Power Mobility Devices: Yes

Areas of Expertise

The following services and procedures, recently provided to Medicare patients, illustrate the range of care this provider offers. This list reflects the variety of services available to all patients visiting the practice and is based on 2022 Medicare dataset. In general, the more frequently a provider treats specific conditions or performs particular procedures, the more experienced they become in addressing similar patient needs. The provider has delivered many of the services listed below to Medicare patients. Please note that this list does not include services provided to patients who are not covered by Medicare.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a procedure to remove the lens of your eye when it becomes cloudy, which is called a cataract. A synthetic lens is then inserted to restore clear vision. The operation is typically done on an outpatient basis and is very safe and effective.

This service was performed for 29 patients

Closure of tear duct opening using plug

Closure of the tear duct opening using a plug is a procedure to address excessive tear production. A small device is inserted into the tear duct to block it, reducing tear flow and relieving symptoms. This is a safe, reversible process, often performed in-office.

This service was performed 30 times for 15 patients

Dilation of tear drainage opening

Dilation of the tear drainage opening is a minor procedure to widen the tear ducts and improve tear flow. A thin instrument is gently inserted into the tear duct to expand it. This can help alleviate symptoms like watery eyes or infections caused by blocked tear ducts.

This service was performed 25 times for 11 patients

Established patient complete exam of visual system

An established patient complete exam of the visual system involves a thorough check of your eyes and vision. It assesses eye health, checks for diseases, and measures your ability to see clearly at different distances. It's a routine, non-invasive procedure.

This service was performed 88 times for 82 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 10-19 minutes

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously seen the doctor. During this 10-19 minute visit, the doctor will review your health status, discuss any concerns, and manage ongoing treatments or medications. It's a chance to ensure your health is on track.

This service was performed 102 times for 75 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes

This is a routine visit for patients who have already been seen by the healthcare provider. During this approximately 20-29 minute appointment, your health status will be evaluated and any necessary treatments or tests will be discussed. It's a chance to address any health concerns you may have.

This service was performed 116 times for 83 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes

This is a routine check-up for patients who have previously visited our clinic. It involves a comprehensive review of your health and any ongoing treatments. The consultation lasts between 30-39 minutes, allowing enough time to discuss any concerns.

This service was performed 289 times for 170 patients

Established patient problem focused exam of visual system

This is a routine check-up for existing patients focusing on the visual system. It involves examining your eyes to detect any potential issues or changes in your vision. It's a crucial part of maintaining good eye health.

This service was performed 36 times for 29 patients

Exam of visual field with limited testing

An exam of the visual field with limited testing is a quick check of your peripheral vision. It involves identifying objects or movements at the edge of your sight, helping to detect any vision loss that isn't obvious, such as blind spots or areas of reduced vision.

This service was performed 47 times for 40 patients

Imaging of optic nerve

Imaging of the optic nerve is a non-invasive procedure that captures detailed pictures of your optic nerve. It helps doctors assess eye health, particularly for conditions like glaucoma. It's painless, quick, and uses safe technology like MRI or OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).

This service was performed 17 times for 16 patients

Imaging of retina

Imaging of the retina is a non-invasive procedure that captures detailed images of your eye's interior. This helps detect conditions like macular degeneration or retinal detachment. It's painless and takes only a few minutes.

This service was performed 15 times for 14 patients

Incision biopsy, first skin growth

An incision biopsy involves taking a small sample of a skin growth for further examination. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, then a portion of the growth is removed using a surgical knife. This helps identify the nature of the growth.

This service was performed 19 times for 18 patients

Injection into skin growth, 1-7 growths

This procedure involves injecting medication into 1-7 skin growths. The medication helps to reduce the size of the growths or completely eliminate them. It's a simple, quick, and usually painless process performed by a medical professional.

This service was performed 22 times for 19 patients

Injection, triamcinolone acetonide, not otherwise specified, 10 mg

Triamcinolone acetonide is a medication used to reduce inflammation in the body. It's given as a 10 mg injection for conditions like allergies, arthritis, or skin problems. The injection helps to decrease swelling, redness, and itching.

This service was performed 22 times for 19 patients

Melanoma (skin cancer) excision

Melanoma excision is a procedure where a surgeon removes melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and some surrounding healthy tissue. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area. The goal is to completely remove the cancer and prevent its spread. Healing time varies.

This service was performed for 1-10 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 45-59 minutes

This is a first-time office or outpatient visit lasting between 45-59 minutes. The healthcare provider evaluates your health, discusses your medical history, and may suggest further tests or treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions and understand your health better.

This service was performed 15 times for 15 patients

Photography of content of eyes

Photography of the content of eyes, also known as ocular photography, captures detailed images of different parts of the eye. It helps identify and monitor conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. The process is non-invasive and painless.

This service was performed 34 times for 33 patients

Probing of nasal tear duct

Probing of the nasal tear duct is a procedure to treat blocked tear ducts. A thin, flexible instrument is gently inserted into the tear duct to clear any obstruction, allowing tears to drain normally again. This procedure is typically quick and can help to alleviate symptoms like excessive tearing or infection.

This service was performed 24 times for 23 patients

Removal of noncancer skin growth of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mouth, 0.5 cm or less

This procedure involves the removal of a noncancerous skin growth on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mouth that is 0.5 cm or less in size. It is a safe, routine treatment that helps maintain skin health and appearance.

This service was performed 18 times for 11 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $34.71 for a new patient copayment and $18.88 for an established patient copayment.

The pricing information below displays the copayment minimum, maximum and average amount that patients under Medicare are charged when visiting this provider as a new or established patient. Please keep in mind that these prices are just for reference purposes, and the actual prices charged by the provider might be different.

For patients covered under private health plans the prices below are also useful as healthcare pricing for private insurance is usually established as a function of Medicare prices. Private insurance covered patients should check their individual plans to determine the exact pricing.

The prices below reflect the costs for new and established patients in the 06708 ZIP code area.

* The physician office visit costs information is generated by statistical analysis of similar providers in the same geographical area. The pricing information above IS NOT the amount charged by this provider.

Overall MIPS Quality Performance

The provider participated in CMS Quality Payment Program under the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and has an overall final score of 83.24, based on four performance areas: quality, improvement activities, promoting interoperability, and cost. The purpose of this information is to help people with Medicare make informed decisions and incentivize doctors and clinicians to maximize performance. The provider also has detailed performance information the following quality measures: .

The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is a way providers could use to participate in CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP). The MIPS program affects clinician reimbursement for Part B covered professional services and also rewards them for improving the quality of patient care and outcomes.

• Final Score: 83.24 out of 100

  The MIPS program evaluates providers across multiple categories with a specific weight for each category resulting a in a MIPS final score that ranges from 0 to 100 points. The MIPS Final Score determines whether providers receive a negative, neutral or positive MIPS payment adjustment.
  
  

• Quality Score: 84.18

  The Quality category assesses providers performance on clinical practices and patient outcomes under the traditional MIPS program. The quality measures help identify the quality of healthcare processes, outcomes, and patient experiences. The Quality measure category compromises 40% providers final MPIS scores.
  
  There are six collection types for MIPS quality measures: Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs), MIPS Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs), Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) Measures, Medicare Part B claims measures, CMS Web Interface measures and The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for MIPS Survey.
  
  

• Promoting Interoperability Score: 65

  The Interoperability category measures the providers ability to use technology to exchange and make use of healthcare information in a way that is less burdensome and improves outcomes. The Interoperability measure category compromises 25% providers final MPIS scores.
  
  The MIPS Interoperability measure focuses on the use of certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT) to improve patient access health information, the exchange of information between clinicians and pharmacies and the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of healthcare data.

• Improvement Activities Score: 40

  The Improvement Activities performance category evaluates the providers participation in clinical activities that support the improvement of clinical practice, care delivery, and outcomes. Providers have the option to choose 2 to 4 activities from an inventory of over 100 improvement activities. Providers typically choose the activities that best fit their needs. The improvement activities measure category compromises 15% providers final MPIS scores.
  
  The Improvement measures aim to better patient engagement, patient safety and other areas of patient care. The Improvement Activities category compromises 15% of providers final MPIS scores.

• Cost Score: N/A

  The Cost performance category asses the amount and types of services provided and how clinicians coordinate care and seek improvement of health outcomes by ensuring patients receive the appropriate services.
  
  Although providers don't determine the price of healthcare services they are important in delivering high-quality care at a reasonable cost. The Cost measures category compromises 20% of providers final MPIS scores.

• Cost Score: N/A

  The Cost performance category asses the amount and types of services provided and how clinicians coordinate care and seek improvement of health outcomes by ensuring patients receive the appropriate services.
  
  Although providers don't determine the price of healthcare services they are important in delivering high-quality care at a reasonable cost. The Cost measures category compromises 20% of providers final MPIS scores.

MIPS Quality Measures

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