MICHAEL WHITFIELD SALTER M.D.
NPI 1376833905
Ophthalmology - Glaucoma Specialist in Huntsville, AL

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 923 patients

Creation of shunt to improve eye fluid flow using tissue graft

This procedure involves creating a new pathway for fluid to flow out of your eye using a tissue graft. It helps to lower eye pressure and prevent damage to your optic nerve, improving eye health and vision.

This service was performed 20 times for 20 patients

Ct scan of cornea

A CT scan of the cornea is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to capture detailed pictures of your eye's cornea. It helps in diagnosing diseases or damage, planning for surgery, or evaluating the results of a treatment. It's a safe and painless procedure.

This service was performed 66 times for 66 patients

Destruction of lens tissue using laser

Destruction of lens tissue using a laser is a medical procedure aimed at treating eye conditions like cataracts. A laser is employed to break down the affected lens tissue, which is then removed. This allows the insertion of an artificial lens to improve vision.

This service was performed 38 times for 36 patients

Dilation to improve eye fluid flow

Dilation to improve eye fluid flow is a process where eye drops are used to widen or dilate your pupils. This allows more fluid to flow out of the eye, reducing pressure and helping to prevent or treat conditions like glaucoma.

This service was performed 78 times for 49 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 725 times for 644 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 367 times for 302 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 83 times for 79 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 598 times for 426 patients

Exam of the internal drainage system of eye

This is a procedure where your doctor examines the eye's internal drainage system, essential for maintaining eye pressure. They use specialized tools to check for blockages or damage that might lead to conditions like glaucoma. It's non-invasive and painless.

This service was performed 378 times for 370 patients

Exam of visual field with extended testing

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.

This service was performed 578 times for 554 patients

Extracapsular removal of cataract with insertion of artificial lens and insertion of drainage device in front chamber of eye

This is a two-part eye procedure. First, a cloudy lens (cataract) is removed from its outer layer and replaced with an artificial lens to improve vision. Second, a drainage device is inserted into the front part of the eye to manage fluid levels, preventing pressure build-up.

This service was performed 178 times for 103 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 536 times for 519 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 41 times for 32 patients

Incision to improve eye fluid flow

This procedure, known as a trabeculectomy, involves creating a small opening in the eye to improve fluid flow. This can help lower eye pressure in conditions like glaucoma. It's a common, safe procedure to protect your eye health.

This service was performed 93 times for 58 patients

Insertion of eye fluid drainage device

The insertion of an eye fluid drainage device is a procedure to manage eye pressure. A small device is placed in the eye to help drain excess fluid, reducing pressure that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. This procedure is often used for glaucoma treatment.

This service was performed 42 times for 37 patients

Laser repair to improve eye fluid flow

Laser repair to improve eye fluid flow is a procedure aimed at treating glaucoma. A laser is used to create a small hole in the eye's drainage system, allowing fluid to flow out more easily. This helps to lower the pressure inside the eye, reducing the risk of vision loss.

This service was performed 35 times for 20 patients

Measurement of corneal curvature and depth of eye

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.

This service was performed 188 times for 186 patients

New patient complete exam of visual system

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.

This service was performed 220 times for 220 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-44 minutes

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.

This service was performed 24 times for 24 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 65 times for 65 patients

Removal of cataract with insertion of prosthetic lens

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.

This service was performed 134 times for 75 patients

Removal of recurring cataract in lens capsule using a laser

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.

This service was performed 51 times for 36 patients

Ultrasound scan of cornea to determine thickness

An ultrasound scan of the cornea is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to measure the thickness of your cornea. This helps in diagnosing certain eye conditions and planning treatments. No discomfort or pain is typically experienced.

This service was performed 233 times for 233 patients

Physician Visit Costs

The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $30.57 for a new patient copayment and $16.52 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 35801 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 100, 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 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: 100 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: 100

  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 comprises 40% of a provider's final MIPS score.
  
  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: N/A

  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 comprises 25% of a provider's final MIPS score.
  
  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 comprises 15% of a provider's final MIPS score.
  
  The Improvement measures aim to better patient engagement, patient safety and other areas of patient care. The Improvement Activities category comprises 15% of a provider's final MIPS score.

• Cost Score: N/A

  The Cost performance category assesses 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 comprises 20% of a provider's final MIPS score.

Frequently Asked Questions