DR. WILLIE EDWARD HESTER JR. M.D.
NPI 1730354002
Internal Medicine - Nephrology in Rutherfordton, NC

NPI Status: Active since April 28, 2008

Contact Information

288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC
ZIP 28139
Phone: (828) 286-5000
Fax: (828) 286-5494

Get Directions Write a Review

  • Individual
  • Male
  • Years of Experience 26
  • Internal Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Accepts Insurance
  • Accepts Medicare Approved Payment
  • PECOS Enrolled
  • Medicare Quality Reporting

About WILLIE HESTER

This page provides the complete NPI Profile along with additional information for Willie Hester, an internist established in Rutherfordton, North Carolina with a medical specialization in Internal Medicine, focusing in nephrology and more than 26 years of experience. The healthcare provider is registered in the NPI registry with number 1730354002 assigned on April 2008. The practitioner's primary taxonomy code is 207RN0300X with license number 2007-01664 (NC). The provider is registered as an individual and his NPI record was last updated one year ago.

NPI
1730354002
Provider Name
DR. WILLIE EDWARD HESTER JR. M.D.
Gender
Male
Entity Type
Individual
Location Address
288 S RIDGECREST AVE RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Location Phone
(828) 286-5000
Location Fax
(828) 286-5494
Mailing Address
6012 BAYFIELD PKWY # 191 CONCORD, NC 28027
Medical School Name
OTHER
Graduation Year
2001
Is Sole Proprietor?
No
Enumeration Date
04-28-2008
Last Update Date
12-30-2025
Code Navigator

An internist like Willie Hester is a physician who has completed an internal medicine residency and is board-certified or board-eligible in an internist specialty. Internists are trained to care for adults of all ages for many different medical conditions. An internist typically monitors chronic physical conditions, identifies acute diseases, provides family planning, provides counseling about wellness and disease prevention, etc.

Location Map

Secondary Locations

  • 1871 Evelyn Byrd Ave
    Harrisonburg, VA 22801
    (540) 564-5800

Specialty - Primary Taxonomy

The NPI enumerator requires providers to submit at least one taxonomy code. A taxonomy code is a unique 10-character code that describes the healthcare provider type, classification, and the area of specialization. There could be only one primary taxonomy code per NPI record. For individual NPIs the license data is associated to the taxonomy code.

Classification

Internal Medicine Nephrology

Taxonomy Code
207RN0300X
Type
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
License No.
2007-01664
License State
NC
Taxonomy Description
An internist who treats disorders of the kidney, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral balance and dialysis of body wastes when the kidneys do not function. This specialist consults with surgeons about kidney transplantation.

Secondary Taxonomies

The provider has reported to the NPI enumerator additional taxonomy codes. Multiple taxonomy codes may represent subspecialties or other areas of specialization the provider maybe licensed to practice.

No. Taxonomy Code Type Classification /
Specialization
License No. (State)
1207RN0300XAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians

Internal Medicine
Nephrology

0101282060 (VA)

Insurance Plans Accepted

According to publicly available information the provider might be accepting the following health plans from these health insurance companies:

  • Blue Advantage Bronze Basic | 3 Free PCP | $25 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Bronze Complete | $60 PCP | $20 Tier 1 Rx | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Bronze HSA Eligible | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Bronze Standard | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Gold Premier A | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Gold Standard A | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Silver Choice A | 3 Free PCP | $15 Tier 1 Rx | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Advantage Silver Standard | Nationwide Doctors - PPO
  • Blue Care Bronze Basic | 3 Free PCP | $25 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Bronze Complete | $60 PCP | $20 Tier 1 Rx | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Bronze HSA Eligible | Integrated | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Bronze Standard | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Gold Premier A | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Gold Standard A | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Silver Choice A | 3 Free PCP | $15 Tier 1 Rx | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Care Silver Standard | Statewide Doctors - HMO
  • Blue Value Bronze Basic | 3 Free PCP | $25 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Limited Statewide Doctors - POS
  • Blue Value Bronze Complete | $60 PCP | $20 Tier 1 Rx | Limited Statewide Doctors - POS

Specific plan information not avaialable, please contact the provider to verify if your insurance plan is accepted.

Specific plan information not avaialable, please contact the provider to verify if your insurance plan is accepted.

*Please verify directly with this provider to make sure your insurance plan is currently accepted.

Additional Identifiers

The NPI Enumerator encourages providers to submit additional identifiers with their NPI application although the submission of this information is optional. The additional identifier(s) section includes other numbers or codes currently or formerly used as an identifier for the provider by other public healthcare entities. The identifiers may include UPIN, NSC, OSCAR, DEA, Medicaid State or PIN identification numbers.

Identifier Type / Code Identifier State Identifier Issuer
5911907MEDICAID (05)NC 
G01662MEDICAID (05)SC 

Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status

Willie Hester 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.

Willie Hester 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: 9335115054

    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: I20090721000737

    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

Provider Referred Orders for Durable Medical Equipment, Devices & Supplies

The following list reflects the services, supplies or durable medical equipment ordered by this provider to a DME supplier on behalf of patients. The information below is derived from Medicare claims data and reflects the BETOS category, HCPCS code information and the number times each service was submitted under the Medicare fee-for-service program.

Orthotic Devices

  • DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

    Insertion tray with drainage bag with indwelling catheter, foley type, two-way latex with coating (teflon, silicone, silicone elastomer or hydrophilic, etc.) (HCPCS:A4314)

    1 DME suppliers used 15 Medicare Claims 15 Services Paid

  • DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

    Urinary catheter anchoring device, leg strap, each (HCPCS:A4334)

    1 DME suppliers used 26 Medicare Claims 26 Services Paid

  • DME-Orthotic Devices (DF000N)

    Bedside drainage bag, day or night, with or without anti-reflux device, with or without tube, each (HCPCS:A4357)

    1 DME suppliers used 34 Medicare Claims 40 Services Paid

Durable Medical Equipment

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA000N)

    Insertion tray with drainage bag but without catheter (HCPCS:A4354)

    1 DME suppliers used 11 Medicare Claims 11 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA000N)

    Tape, waterproof, per 18 square inches (HCPCS:A4452)

    1 DME suppliers used 31 Medicare Claims 3620 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Collagen based wound filler, dry form, sterile, per gram of collagen (HCPCS:A6010)

    1 DME suppliers used 17 Medicare Claims 570 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, each dressing (HCPCS:A6196)

    1 DME suppliers used 47 Medicare Claims 2157 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Alginate or other fiber gelling dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., each dressing (HCPCS:A6197)

    1 DME suppliers used 18 Medicare Claims 812 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Composite dressing, sterile, pad size 16 sq. in. or less, with any size adhesive border, each dressing (HCPCS:A6203)

    1 DME suppliers used 16 Medicare Claims 470 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Specialty absorptive dressing, wound cover, sterile, pad size more than 16 sq. in. but less than or equal to 48 sq. in., without adhesive border, each dressing (HCPCS:A6252)

    1 DME suppliers used 19 Medicare Claims 717 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Conforming bandage, non-elastic, knitted/woven, sterile, width greater than or equal to three inches and less than five inches, per yard (HCPCS:A6446)

    1 DME suppliers used 39 Medicare Claims 4807 Services Paid

  • DME-Medical/Surgical Supplies (DA023N)

    Light compression bandage, elastic, knitted/woven, width greater than or equal to three inches and less than five inches, per yard (HCPCS:A6449)

    1 DME suppliers used 12 Medicare Claims 500 Services Paid

  • DME-Hospital Beds (DB000N)

    Hospital bed, semi-electric (head and foot adjustment), with any type side rails, with mattress (HCPCS:E0260)

    2 DME suppliers used 13 Medicare Claims 13 Services Paid

  • DME-Oxygen and Supplies (DC000N)

    Portable gaseous oxygen system, rental; includes portable container, regulator, flowmeter, humidifier, cannula or mask, and tubing (HCPCS:E0431)

    3 DME suppliers used 17 Medicare Claims 17 Services Paid

  • DME-Wheelchairs (DD021N)

    Manual wheelchair accessory, anti-tipping device, each (HCPCS:E0971)

    2 DME suppliers used 13 Medicare Claims 26 Services Paid

  • DME-Oxygen and Supplies (DC002N)

    Oxygen concentrator, single delivery port, capable of delivering 85 percent or greater oxygen concentration at the prescribed flow rate (HCPCS:E1390)

    3 DME suppliers used 17 Medicare Claims 17 Services Paid

  • DME-Wheelchairs (DD000N)

    Standard wheelchair (HCPCS:K0001)

    2 DME suppliers used 37 Medicare Claims 37 Services Paid

  • DME-Wheelchairs (DD000N)

    Lightweight wheelchair (HCPCS:K0003)

    2 DME suppliers used 39 Medicare Claims 39 Services Paid

  • DME-Wheelchairs (DD021N)

    Elevating leg rests, pair (for use with capped rental wheelchair base) (HCPCS:K0195)

    2 DME suppliers used 13 Medicare Claims 13 Services Paid

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.

Advance care planning, first 30 minutes

Advance care planning is a process where you discuss your healthcare preferences with your doctor. This conversation, lasting up to 30 minutes, helps ensure your wishes are respected if you're unable to communicate them in the future. It's about your care, your way.

This service was performed 103 times for 101 patients

Extended inpatient or observation hospital service, first hour

This service involves staying in the hospital for a longer period for close monitoring or treatment. During the first hour, medical staff observe your health status, administer necessary treatments, and ensure your comfort and safety. It's part of ensuring optimal care.

This service was performed 133 times for 121 patients

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day, typically 25 minutes

Follow-up hospital inpatient care involves daily check-ups while you're admitted in the hospital. Typically, a healthcare provider spends about 25 minutes each day reviewing your condition, adjusting treatment if needed, and answering any questions you might have.

This service was performed 126 times for 64 patients

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day, typically 35 minutes

Follow-up hospital inpatient care per day typically involves a 35-minute check-up by your healthcare provider. This service includes monitoring your health progress, adjusting your treatment plan if needed, and answering any questions you may have about your condition or care.

This service was performed 62 times for 40 patients

Follow-up nursing facility visit per day, typically 10 minutes

A follow-up nursing facility visit per day typically lasts about 10 minutes. This service involves a healthcare professional checking on your health status, answering any questions you may have, and monitoring your progress. This routine check ensures your recovery is on track and any concerns are addressed promptly.

This service was performed 82 times for 73 patients

Follow-up nursing facility visit per day, typically 15 minutes

A follow-up nursing facility visit per day is a daily check-up service provided by healthcare professionals. It lasts around 15 minutes and involves assessing your health status, monitoring your recovery progress, and addressing any concerns you may have about your health or treatment.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Follow-up nursing facility visit per day, typically 25 minutes

A follow-up nursing facility visit per day is a daily check-in by a healthcare professional. This 25-minute visit typically involves monitoring your health progress, addressing any concerns, and adjusting treatment plans as necessary. It's a vital part of ensuring your ongoing wellbeing.

This service was performed 329 times for 201 patients

Hospital discharge day management, 30 minutes or less

Hospital discharge day management of 30 minutes or less includes finalizing your treatment, discussing your progress, and planning after-care at home. It ensures you're ready to leave the hospital and continue recovery safely.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 70 minutes

Initial hospital inpatient care per day, typically 70 minutes, refers to the daily medical service provided to patients admitted to the hospital. This includes a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, treatment plan, and monitoring of your health condition. It ensures your well-being during your hospital stay.

This service was performed 23 times for 23 patients

Initial nursing facility visit per day, typically 45 minutes

An initial nursing facility visit is your first meeting with your healthcare team at a nursing facility. Lasting typically 45 minutes, this appointment involves a comprehensive health assessment and the creation of your personalized care plan. It's a crucial step to ensure your health and well-being.

This service was performed 267 times for 237 patients

Nursing facility annual assessment, typically 30 minutes

An annual assessment at a nursing facility is a routine check-up that typically lasts about 30 minutes. It's a chance for healthcare professionals to evaluate your overall health and wellness, monitor any ongoing conditions, and adjust care plans as needed.

This service was performed 32 times for 32 patients

Physician Visit Costs



The typical physician office visit costs for Medicare beneficiaries in this area are: $31.25 for a new patient copayment and $23.98 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 28139 ZIP code area.

New Patients Visit Costs *

The most utilized procedure code for new patients office visits is 99204

  • Average New Patient Price $125.01
  • Minimum New Patient Price $54.12
  • Maximum New Patient Price $165.09
  • Average New Patient Copayment $31.25
  • Minimum New Patient Copayment $13.53
  • Maximum New Patient Copayment $41.27

Established Patients Visit Costs *

The most utilized procedure code for established patients office visits is 99214

  • Average Established Patient Price $95.94
  • Minimum Established Patient Price $17.21
  • Maximum Established Patient Price $134.61
  • Average Established Patient Copayment $23.98
  • Minimum Established Patient Copayment $4.3
  • Maximum Established Patient Copayment $33.65

* 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.

Quality Reporting

The provider participated in CMS Quality Payment Program. The Quality Payment Program aims to improve population health, reduce costs and improve the care received by Medicare beneficiaries. The following quality measures meet Medicare's statistical reporting standards. Not all providers report the same information, because not all providers give the same services to patients. The quality information is just a snapshot of some the care providers give to their patients. Reporting more or less information is not a reflection of quality.

Quality Measure Performance Number of Patients
Care Plan 100% 102
Percentage of patients aged 65 years and older who have an advance care plan or surrogate decision maker documented in the medical record that an advance care plan was discussed but the patient did not wish or was not able to name a surrogate decision maker or provide an advance care plan

Find Provider Hospital Affiliations - Privileges

Doctors and physicians must apply for hospital privileges to treat patients at hospitals. Find out if your doctor has privileges to practice at your preferred hospital by using the hospital affiliation information below based on recent medical claims.

Hospital affiliation is identified through self-reporting data, inpatient, outpatient, physician and ancillary service claims linked by the medical claims NPI number and place of service code. Additionally, to further determine provider hospital affiliation the clinician must have provided services to at least three patients on three different dates in the last 12 months. Willie Hester is affiliated with the following medical facilities:

Hospital Name Address Phone Hospital Type Overall Rating
RUTHERFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER288 SOUTH RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
(828) 286-5000Acute Care Hospitals

Reviews for DR. WILLIE EDWARD HESTER JR. M.D.

There are currently no reviews for this provider. Be the first person to share your experience with this provider by filling out our review form. Your insights are appreciated and will help others make informed decisions.

NPI NPI Number Validation

How NPI Validation Works

The NPI validation process uses the ISO-standard Luhn algorithm, a mathematical "handshake", to ensure that a provider's 10-digit ID is authentic and free of common typing errors.

To verify the NPI 1730354002, we treat the final digit (2) as the Check Digit—the target answer we need to reach. The process begins by taking the first nine digits and adding a constant value of 24, which accounts for the "80840" prefix required for all U.S. health identifiers. We then double every other digit starting from the right and sum the individual digits of those results together. For this specific NPI, that total comes to 58. The final step is to find the difference between that total and the next multiple of ten (60 - 58 = 2).

Digit-by-digit view

Use the first nine digits for the calculation. Starting from the right, double every other digit. The last digit is the check digit and is not part of the calculation.

Pos 1
1
Doubled → 2
Pos 2
7
Unchanged
Pos 3
3
Doubled → 6
Pos 4
0
Unchanged
Pos 5
3
Doubled → 6
Pos 6
5
Unchanged
Pos 7
4
Doubled → 8
Pos 8
0
Unchanged
Pos 9
0
Doubled → 0
Check
2
Target digit
Regular digit Doubled digit Check digit

Step 1: Double every other digit from the right

Starting with the rightmost digit of the first nine digits, double every other value. If doubling creates a two-digit number, add those digits together.

1 → 2 3 → 6 3 → 6 4 → 8 0 → 0

Step 2: Add all digits plus the NPI constant

Add the transformed values, the unchanged digits, and the constant 24.

2 + 7 + 6 + 0 + 6 + 5 + 8 + 0 + 0 + 24 = 58

Step 3: Find the amount needed to reach the next multiple of 10

The next multiple of ten after 58 is 60. The difference is the calculated check digit.

60 - 58 = 2
This NPI is valid
The calculated check digit is 2, which matches the last digit of 1730354002.

Other Providers at the Same Location


The following 20 providers are registered at the same or a nearby location.

Radiology (Diagnostic Radiology)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Radiology (Diagnostic Radiology)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Social Worker (Clinical)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Emergency Medicine
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Emergency Medicine
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Nurse Practitioner
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Pathology (Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Dietitian, Registered
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Disease)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Anesthesiology
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Dietitian, Registered
288 S RIDGECREST AVE, RUTHERFORD HOSPITAL, INC.
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Pathology (Anatomic Pathology & Clinical Pathology)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Pediatrics
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Pediatrics
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Preventive Medicine (Occupational Medicine)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Pediatrics
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Dietitian, Registered
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Genetic Counselor, MS
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Urology
288 S RIDGECREST AVE, SUITE 100
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139
Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)
288 S RIDGECREST AVE
RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139

Frequently Asked Questions

The NPI number assigned to this healthcare provider is 1730354002, enumerated as an "individual" on April 28, 2008.

The provider is located at 288 S RIDGECREST AVE RUTHERFORDTON, NC 28139 and the phone number is (828) 286-5000.

Internal Medicine with taxonomy code 207RN0300X and a focus in Nephrology.

The provider might be accepting Accepts: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, Medicare and. Please consult your insurance carrier or call the provider to verify.

Willie Hester is affiliated with: RUTHERFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER.