DR. WATERS MERRILL HICKS JR. M.D.
NPI 1780663807
Internal Medicine - Nephrology in Thomasville, GA

Q: What is Waters Hicks's NPI number?

The NPI number for Waters Hicks is 1780663807. It was assigned to this individual provider in the NPPES registry on January 17, 2006.

Q: What is Waters Hicks's specialty?

The primary specialty registered for this NPI is Internal Medicine, specializing in Nephrology, with taxonomy code 207RN0300X.

Q: When was this NPI record last updated?

The NPPES record for Waters Hicks was last updated on September 1, 2022. NPI Profile syncs weekly with the NPPES registry data releases published by CMS. This NPI record was last updated 3 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 January 17, 2006PECOS EnrolledAccepts Medicare Assignment

334 SMITH AVE, THOMASVILLE, GA 31792(229) 227-1595(229) 227-1385 Get Directions Write a Review

NPPES record last updated: September 1, 2022. Verified against the NPPES registry weekly; last sync: August 16, 2026.

Record update history: Sep 1, 2022, Sep 13, 2018 (2 updates tracked since 2018).

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About Dr. Waters Merrill Hicks Jr. M.d. NPPES

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

DR. WATERS MERRILL HICKS JR. M.D. (NPI 1780663807) is an individual nephrology provider in Thomasville, Georgia, licensed in Georgia (38251) and active in the NPI registry since January 2006. He is enrolled in Medicare PECOS, is affiliated with Archbold Memorial, and is a graduate of University Of Mississippi School Of Medicine (1975).

NPPES Registry Identity

NPI1780663807

Entity TypeIndividualMale

Primary Taxonomy207RN0300X

Provider Legal NameDR. WATERS MERRILL HICKS JR.Credential: M.D.

Location Address334 SMITH AVEThomasville, GA 31792-5533

Mailing Address334 Smith AveThomasville, GA 31792-5533 · (229) 227-1595 · Fax (229) 227-1385

Phone(229) 227-1595

Fax(229) 227-1385

Sole ProprietorNo

Medical School CMSUniversity Of Mississippi School Of MedicineGraduated 1975

Enumeration DateJanuary 17, 2006

Last NPPES UpdateSeptember 1, 20222 updates tracked since enumeration

NPPES CertifiedSeptember 1, 2022

✔ NPI 1780663807 is a valid, active identifier and passes the ISO check-digit test.

Specialties & Licenses

★ Primary SpecialtyInternal Medicine · NephrologyAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians

Taxonomy Code207RN0300X

License✔ Licensed in GA · 38251

Definition

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.

334 SMITH AVE, Thomasville, GA 31792

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Accepted Insurance

The full list of accepted plans is on the Insurance tab. Issuers include Alliant Health Plans, Inc., Ambetter from Absolute Total Care, Ambetter Health and more.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

Dr. Waters Merrill Hicks Jr. M.d. 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 ID1456383645

PECOS Enrollment IDI20050908000793

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 12

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.

Subsequent hospital care with moderate levelof medical decision making, if using time, at least 50 minutes 99233

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.

419 services136 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.

321 services168 patients

Dialysis services, 4 or more physician visits per month (20 years or older) 90960

Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies your blood using a machine. It helps keep your fluids and electrolytes in balance when the kidneys can't do their job. This service includes 4 or more visits per month with a physician to monitor your health and adjust your treatment as needed.

275 services47 patients

Subsequent hospital care with moderate levelof medical decision making, if using time, at least 35 minutes 99232

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.

209 services97 patients

Insertion of needle into vein for collection of blood sample 36415

This procedure involves inserting a small needle into a vein, typically in your arm, to collect a blood sample. It's a quick and simple process to help diagnose or monitor health conditions. You may feel a small prick, but discomfort is minimal.

181 services107 patients

Initial hospital care with moderate level of medical decision making, if using time, at least 75 minutes 99223

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.

101 services92 patients

Dialysis services, 2-3 physician visits per month (20 years or older) 90961

Dialysis is a treatment that performs the function of healthy kidneys if they're not working properly. It removes waste and excess fluid from your blood. 2-3 physician visits per month are recommended for monitoring your health and adjusting your treatment as needed. This service is available for those aged 20 years and older.

50 services28 patients

Advance care planning, first 30 minutes 99497

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.

50 services40 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.

47 services47 patients

Chronic care management services, first 20 minutes of clinical staff time directed by health care professional, per calendar month 99490

Chronic care management services involve a healthcare professional directing clinical staff in managing your chronic conditions. This includes the first 20 minutes per month of services like medication management, care coordination, and health monitoring to help improve your health and quality of life.

23 services16 patients

Hemodialysis procedure with physician evaluation 90935

Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys can't. A physician checks your health before, during, and after the procedure to ensure it's working effectively for you.

20 services15 patients

Dialysis services, 1 physician visit per month (20 years or older) 90962

Dialysis is a treatment that filters and purifies your blood using a machine. It helps keep your fluids and electrolytes in balance when the kidneys canâ€™t do their job. A physician visit once a month ensures your treatment is working effectively and adjusts it if necessary. This service is available for individuals aged 20 years and older.

18 services15 patients

Hospital Affiliations CMS Care Compare 4

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

Archbold Memorial

Acute Care Hospitals · Thomasville, GA

4/5 CMS rating

OwnershipVoluntary non-profit - Private

CMS Certification Number110038

Location915 Gordon Avenue & Mimosa DriveThomasville, GA 31792 · Thomas County

Emergency services Birthing friendly

Colquitt Regional Medical Center

Acute Care Hospitals · Moultrie, GA

3/5 CMS rating

OwnershipGovernment - Hospital District or Authority

CMS Certification Number110105

Location3131 South Main StreetMoultrie, GA 31768 · Colquitt County

Emergency services Birthing friendly

Archbold Grady

Acute Care Hospitals · Cairo, GA

OwnershipVoluntary non-profit - Private

CMS Certification Number110121

Location1155 5th Street, SECairo, GA 39828 · Grady County

Birthing friendly

Memorial Hospital And Manor

Acute Care Hospitals · Bainbridge, GA

OwnershipGovernment - Hospital District or Authority

CMS Certification Number110132

Location1500 E Shotwell StreetBainbridge, GA 39819 · Decatur County

Emergency services Birthing friendly

Physician Visit Costs CMS claims · ZIP area

Typical Medicare office-visit costs in the 31792 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

$124.10 typical visit price

range $53.31 – $164.04

Typical copayment $31.02 (range $13.32 – $41.01)

Most-billed visit code 99204

Established Patient

$94.84 typical visit price

range $16.68 – $133.24

Typical copayment $23.71 (range $4.17 – $33.31)

Most-billed visit code 99214

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.

Reported Quality Measures

Clinical Information Reconciliation

For at least one transition of care or referral received or patient encounter in which the MIPS eligible clinician has never before encountered the patient, the MIPS eligible clinician performs clinical information reconciliation.

93%896 patients4/55-star benchmark: 100%

Closing the Referral Loop: Receipt of Specialist Report

Percentage of patients with referrals, regardless of age, for which the referring provider receives a report from the provider to whom the patient was referred

28%25 patients2/55-star benchmark: 95%

Diabetes: Foot Exam

The percentage of patients 18-75 years of age with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) who received a foot exam (visual inspection and sensory exam with mono filament and a pulse exam) during the measurement year

75%235 patients4/55-star benchmark: 98%

Documentation of Current Medications in the Medical Record

Percentage of visits for patients aged 18 years and older for which the eligible professional or eligible clinician attests to documenting a list of current medications using all immediate resources available on the date of the encounter.

95%3,634 patients4/55-star benchmark: 100%

e-Prescribing

At least one permissible prescription written by the MIPS eligible clinician is queried for a drug formulary and transmitted electronically using certified EHR technology.

95%2,688 patients4/55-star benchmark: 100%

Patient-Generated Health Data

Patient-generated health data or data from a non-clinical setting is incorporated into the certified EHR technology for at least one unique patient seen by the MIPS eligible clinician during the performance period.

0%829 patients

Patient-Specific Education

The MIPS eligible clinician must use clinically relevant information from certified EHR technology to identify patient-specific educational resources and provide electronic access to those materials to at least one unique patient seen by the MIPS eligible…

66%829 patients3/55-star benchmark: 100%

Pneumococcal Vaccination Status for Older Adults

Percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who have ever received a pneumococcal vaccine

46%303 patients3/55-star benchmark: 90%

Preventive Care and Screening: Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening and Follow-Up Plan

Percentage of patients aged 18 years and older with a BMI documented during the current encounter or during the previous twelve months AND with a BMI outside of normal parameters, a follow-up plan is documented during the encounter or during the previous…

99%498 patients5/55-star benchmark: 97%

Preventive Care and Screening: Tobacco Use: Screening and Cessation Intervention

Percentage of patients aged 18 years and older who were screened for tobacco use one or more times within 24 months AND who received tobacco cessation intervention if identified as a tobacco user

Patients screenedForUse: 97% · 264 patients

Patients tobacco: 97% · 264 patients

92%26 patients4/55-star benchmark: 98%

Provide Patient Access

For at least one unique patient seen by the MIPS eligible clinician: (1) The patient (or the patient authorized representative) is provided timely access to view online, download, and transmit his or her health information; and (2) The MIPS eligible clinician…

60%829 patients3/55-star benchmark: 100%

Request/Accept Summary of Care

0%894 patients1/55-star benchmark: 100%

Secure Messaging

For at least one unique patient seen by the MIPS eligible clinician during the performance period, a secure message was sent using the electronic messaging function of certified EHR technology to the patient (or the patient-authorized representative), or in…

5%829 patients1/55-star benchmark: 75%

Use of High-Risk Medications in the Elderly

Percentage of patients 65 years of age and older who were ordered high-risk medications. Two rates are submitted. 1) Percentage of patients who were ordered at least one high-risk medication.

Lower rates are better for this measure.

Patients 2+: 2% · 303 patients

5%303 patients4/55-star benchmark: 100%

View, Download and Transmit (VDT)

During the performance period, at least one unique patient (or patient-authorized representatives) seen by the MIPS eligible clinician actively engages with the EHR made accessible by the MIPS eligible clinician.

1%829 patients

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.

Referred Medical Equipment & Supplies CMS DME claims 2

Durable medical equipment, devices and supplies this provider ordered from DME suppliers for patients, from Medicare fee-for-service claims.

Tacrolimus, immediate release, oral, 1 mg J7507

Treatment-Treatment - Miscellaneous · category RX029N

3 suppliers21 claims1,070 services$0.30 avg. paid by Medicare

Pharmacy supply fee for oral anti-cancer, oral anti-emetic or immunosuppressive drug(s); for a subsequent prescription in a 30-day period Q0512

Treatment-Chemotherapy · category RH012N

3 suppliers13 claims13 services$11.64 avg. paid by Medicare

Dollar amounts are the average Medicare paid the supplier per service. They are not the cost to the patient.

Other Providers at the Same Location NPPES 20

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

MR. WILLIAM B HOOKS PA-C

Physician Assistant (Medical)