DARRELL E HESTER MD
NPI 1134210586
Ophthalmology in Wilmington, NC

Q: What is Darrell Hester's NPI number?

The NPI number for Darrell Hester is 1134210586. It was assigned to this individual provider in the NPPES registry on September 28, 2006.

Q: What is Darrell Hester's specialty?

The primary specialty registered for this NPI is Ophthalmology with taxonomy code 207W00000X.

Q: When was this NPI record last updated?

The NPPES record for Darrell Hester was last updated on January 7, 2015. NPI Profile syncs weekly with the NPPES registry data releases published by CMS. This NPI record was last updated 11 years ago. If this record has changed at CMS more recently, you can request an on-demand re-check against the live CMS registry, directly from this page.

Active since September 28, 2006PECOS EnrolledAccepts Medicare Assignment

98.98/100

CMS Quality Rating

1915 S 17TH ST STE 101, WILMINGTON, NC 28401(910) 251-8200(910) 251-8204 Get Directions Write a Review

NPPES record last updated: January 7, 2015. Verified against the NPPES registry weekly; last sync: August 16, 2026.

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About Darrell E Hester Md NPPES

Official registry information on file with the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System.

DARRELL E HESTER MD (NPI 1134210586) is an individual ophthalmology provider in Wilmington, North Carolina, licensed in North Carolina (34349) and active in the NPI registry since September 2006. He is enrolled in Medicare PECOS, is affiliated with Columbus Regional Healthcare System, and is a graduate of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School Of Medicine (1987).

NPPES Registry Identity

NPI1134210586

Entity TypeIndividualMale

Primary Taxonomy207W00000X

Provider Legal NameDARRELL E HESTERCredential: MD

Location Address1915 S 17TH ST STE 101Wilmington, NC 28401-6682

Mailing Address1915 S 17th St Ste 101Wilmington, NC 28401-6682 · (910) 251-8200 · Fax (910) 251-8204

Phone(910) 251-8200

Fax(910) 251-8204

Sole ProprietorNo

Medical School CMSUniversity Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School Of MedicineGraduated 1987

Enumeration DateSeptember 28, 2006

Last NPPES UpdateJanuary 7, 2015

✔ NPI 1134210586 is a valid, active identifier and passes the ISO check-digit test.

Specialties & Licenses

★ Primary SpecialtyOphthalmologyAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians

Taxonomy Code207W00000X

License✔ Licensed in NC · 34349

Definition

An ophthalmologist has the knowledge and professional skills needed to provide comprehensive eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are medically trained to diagnose, monitor and medically or surgically treat all ocular and visual disorders. This includes problems affecting the eye and its component structures, the eyelids, the orbit and the visual pathways. In so doing, an ophthalmologist prescribes vision services, including glasses and contact lenses.

1915 S 17TH ST STE 101, Wilmington, NC 28401

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Other Identifiers 2

Medicare PINNCF423C976NC

Medicaid1134210586NC

Accepted Insurance

The full list of accepted plans is on the Insurance tab. Issuers include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, UnitedHealthcare.Insurance ›

Medicare Participation & PECOS CMS

Medicare enrollment, assignment, and ordering and referring status from the CMS PECOS system.

Medicare Enrollment Status

✔

Enrolled in Medicare and accepts Medicare assignment

Darrell E Hester Md is registered in PECOS and agrees to accept the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. Medicare patients are not billed beyond the standard deductible and coinsurance.

PECOS PAC ID8921034331

PECOS Enrollment IDI20120229000500

Eligible to Order & Refer✔ Part B Labs & Imaging✔ Durable Medical Equipment✔ Home Health Agency✔ Power Mobility DevicesPer the CMS Ordering and Referring file. Eligibility means Medicare pays claims that this provider orders or refers for these categories.

Areas of Expertise CMS Part B claims 16

Services this provider delivered to Medicare fee-for-service patients, from the CMS Medicare utilization data. Higher counts generally reflect more experience with a service; care delivered outside Medicare is not included.

Established patient complete exam of visual system 92014

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.

598 services581 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit with low level od decision making, if using time, 20 minutes or more 99213

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.

214 services174 patients

Removal of cataract with insertion of prosthetic lens 66984

This is a procedure where a cloudy lens in your eye, known as a cataract, is removed. After removal, a clear artificial lens is inserted. This helps to restore your vision, enabling you to see clearly again.

177 services118 patients

Measurement of corneal curvature and depth of eye 92136

This procedure measures the shape and depth of your eye, specifically the cornea, the clear front surface. It helps in diagnosing conditions, planning for surgeries, or fitting contact lenses. It's non-invasive and painless.

175 services123 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit with straightforward medical decision making, if using time, 10 minutes or more 99212

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.

121 services87 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of medical decision making, if using time, 45 minutes or more 99204

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.

103 services103 patients

Exam of visual field with extended testing 92083

An extended visual field exam is a detailed test to evaluate your peripheral (side) vision. It helps to detect any potential blind spots which may not be noticeable in daily life. These could be caused by eye diseases like glaucoma, or neurological conditions.

88 services72 patients

Imaging of retina 92134

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.

54 services51 patients

Imaging of optic nerve 92133

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).

47 services44 patients

Removal of recurring cataract in lens capsule using a laser 66821

This procedure, known as YAG laser capsulotomy, treats cloudiness in the lens capsule following cataract surgery. A laser is used to create a small hole in the cloudy capsule, allowing light to pass through and restore clear vision. It's a quick, painless procedure.

42 services38 patients

New patient complete exam of visual system 92004

A new patient complete exam of the visual system is a thorough evaluation of your eyes and vision. It checks for any potential issues and assesses overall eye health. It includes tests for visual acuity, eye movement, and light response.

39 services39 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of decision making, if using time, 30 minutes or more 99214

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.

32 services32 patients

Removal of eyelashes using forceps 67820

The removal of eyelashes using forceps is a simple procedure where a medical professional gently extracts unwanted or problematic eyelashes with a specialized tool. This is often done to alleviate discomfort or to treat conditions like trichiasis, where eyelashes grow inward.

23 services20 patients

Established patient problem focused exam of visual system 92012

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.

19 services19 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit with low level of medical decision making, if using time, 30 minutes or more 99203

This service involves an initial office or outpatient visit for a new patient. The healthcare professional will spend 30-44 minutes understanding your health history, current issues, and discussing possible treatment plans. It's a comprehensive evaluation to start your healthcare journey.

17 services17 patients

Extended exam of the back part of the eye with retinal drawing 92201

This procedure involves a detailed examination of the back part of your eye, including the retina. It helps identify any abnormalities or issues. A retinal drawing is made to record findings. It's non-invasive and crucial for maintaining eye health.

12 services12 patients

Hospital Affiliations CMS Care Compare 2

Hospitals where this provider delivers care, identified from recent Medicare claims and place-of-service records.

Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Acute Care Hospitals · Whiteville, NC

1/5 CMS rating

OwnershipVoluntary non-profit - Other

CMS Certification Number340068

Location500 Jefferson StWhiteville, NC 28472 · Columbus County

Emergency services Birthing friendly

Pender Memorial Hospital

Critical Access Hospitals · Burgaw, NC

OwnershipGovernment - Local

CMS Certification Number341307

Location507 E Fremont StBurgaw, NC 28425 · Pender County

Emergency services

Physician Visit Costs CMS claims · ZIP area

Typical Medicare office-visit costs in the 28401 ZIP code area, from fee-for-service claims. These are area statistics, not this provider’s prices; actual charges vary by service and coverage.

New Patient

$125.01 typical visit price

range $54.12 – $165.09

Typical copayment $31.25 (range $13.53 – $41.27)

Most-billed visit code 99204

Established Patient

$67.72 typical visit price

range $17.21 – $134.61

Typical copayment $16.93 (range $4.30 – $33.65)

Most-billed visit code 99213

Amounts reflect what Medicare beneficiaries in this ZIP area are typically charged for office visits. Patients with other coverage should check their individual plans.

Medicare Quality Performance CMS QPP · MIPS

Performance in the CMS Quality Payment Program: the MIPS final score across four weighted categories, and the individual quality measures reported to Medicare.

98.98/100

MIPS Final ScoreMerit-based Incentive Payment System · CMS Quality Payment Program

Individually scored

Quality

97.45

Improvement Activities

Cost

100

Reported Quality Measures

Complications After Cataract Surgery

Lower rates are better for this measure.

0%161 patients

Diabetes: Eye Exam

86%185 patients4/55-star benchmark: 100%

Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record

100%2,864 patients5/55-star benchmark: 100%

Falls: Screening for Future Fall Risk

99%1,550 patients4/55-star benchmark: 100%

Glaucoma Intraocular Pressure Reduction

68%98 patients

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Optic Nerve Evaluation

87%98 patients

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Reduction of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) by 15% OR Documentation of a Plan of Care

97%97 patients

Use of High-Risk Medications in Older Adults

Lower rates are better for this measure.

Patients appropriateDiagnosis: 0% · 1,587 patients

Patients totalRate: 0% · 1,587 patients

0%1,587 patients5/55-star benchmark: 100%

Providers report different measures because they deliver different services; reporting more or less information is not a reflection of quality. Star ratings appear only where CMS assigned them.

Other Providers at the Same Location NPPES 3

Providers registered at the same practice address, or within the immediate area, according to the NPPES registry.

CAPE FEAR CATARACT AND CORNEA, P.A.

Ophthalmology

1915 S 17TH ST STE 101
WILMINGTON, NC 28401

New Hanover County (843) 822-5496

DR. JUSTIN DANIEL NEEDHAM M.D.

Ophthalmology

1915 S 17TH ST STE 101
WILMINGTON, NC 28401

New Hanover County (910) 769-4590

DR. BRIAN GROAT M.D.

Ophthalmology

1915 S 17TH ST STE 101
WILMINGTON, NC 28401

New Hanover County (910) 251-8200

Frequently Asked Questions NPPES & CMS

Common questions about this NPI record, answered from the official NPPES registry and CMS datasets shown on this page.

What is Darrell Hester's NPI number?

The NPI number for Darrell Hester is 1134210586. It was assigned to this individual provider in the NPPES registry on September 28, 2006.

Where is Darrell Hester located?

Darrell Hester practices at 1915 S 17th St Ste 101, Wilmington, NC 28401. The listed phone number is (910) 251-8200.

What is Darrell Hester's specialty?

The primary specialty registered for this NPI is Ophthalmology with taxonomy code 207W00000X.

Is Darrell Hester enrolled in Medicare?

Yes. Darrell Hester is registered in the Medicare PECOS system and accepts Medicare assignment, which means accepting the Medicare-approved amount as payment in full for covered services.

What insurance does Darrell Hester accept?

Health plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and UnitedHealthcare list Darrell Hester as in-network in at least one marketplace plan. Coverage varies by plan and year; verify with the insurer or the provider before a visit.

Is Darrell Hester affiliated with any hospitals?

According to CMS data, Darrell Hester is affiliated with Columbus Regional Healthcare System and Pender Memorial Hospital.

When was this NPI record last updated?

The NPPES record for Darrell Hester was last updated on January 7, 2015. NPI Profile syncs weekly with the NPPES registry data releases published by CMS. This NPI record was last updated 11 years ago. If this record has changed at CMS more recently, you can request an on-demand re-check against the live CMS registry, directly from this page.