RICHARD HAL HUGHES MD
NPI 1982640009
Internal Medicine - Pulmonary Disease in Oak Ridge, TN

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.

Administration of influenza virus vaccine

The administration of the influenza virus vaccine, also known as the flu shot, is a simple procedure to protect against the flu. A healthcare provider injects a small dose of the vaccine into your arm. This stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, which will help your body fight off the flu if exposed.

This service was performed 81 times for 80 patients

Administration of pneumococcal vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause severe infections like pneumonia and meningitis. The vaccine is given as an injection, typically in the arm. It's recommended for infants, older adults, and those with certain health conditions.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Artery puncture collection of blood sample

Artery puncture collection is a procedure where a thin needle is inserted into an artery, typically in your wrist, to collect a blood sample. This method often provides more accurate results for certain tests, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. It's generally safe but may cause slight discomfort.

This service was performed 21 times for 21 patients

Blood gases measurement

Blood gases measurement is a test that checks how well your lungs move oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide. It involves drawing blood from an artery, typically in your wrist. The results help evaluate your lung function and guide treatment plans.

This service was performed 21 times for 21 patients

Carboxyhemoglobin (protein) level

The Carboxyhemoglobin level test measures the amount of carbon monoxide attached to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. This test is important as high levels may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause serious health issues.

This service was performed 15 times for 15 patients

Ct scan of chest without contrast

A CT scan of the chest without contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses special X-ray equipment to produce detailed images of your chest area, including your lungs and heart. It can help diagnose conditions such as lung diseases or heart disorders. It doesn't involve any dyes or contrast agents.

This service was performed 79 times for 62 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 407 times for 305 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 360 times for 259 patients

Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 40-54 minutes

This service involves a follow-up appointment for existing patients, lasting between 40 to 54 minutes. During this time, your healthcare provider will assess your current health status, discuss any changes or concerns, review your treatment plan, and answer any questions you may have.

This service was performed 281 times for 155 patients

Evaluation of use of breathing device

The evaluation of a breathing device involves checking how effectively you're using it to manage your respiratory condition. It assesses the device's fit, your comfort, and your technique to ensure optimal results.

This service was performed 29 times for 25 patients

Influenza vaccine split virus, preservative free

The Influenza Vaccine Split Virus, preservative-free, is a flu shot to protect against the influenza virus. It is made from parts of inactivated flu viruses and doesn't contain preservatives, reducing potential side effects. It helps your body develop immunity to the flu.

This service was performed 76 times for 75 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 16 times for 13 patients

Injection of drug or substance under skin or into muscle

This procedure involves administering medication directly under the skin or into a muscle. A small needle is used to inject the drug, allowing it to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It's a common method for delivering a variety of medications.

This service was performed 253 times for 131 patients

Injection, dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 1 mg

Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a medication given via injection. It is a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation and immune responses. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as allergies, skin conditions, arthritis, and more.

This service was performed 3,038 times for 99 patients

Injection, methylprednisolone acetate, 80 mg

Methylprednisolone acetate is a strong anti-inflammatory medication. It is often given as an 80 mg injection to reduce inflammation and pain. It's commonly used for conditions like arthritis, allergic disorders, or other inflammatory diseases.

This service was performed 154 times for 62 patients

Low dose ct scan of chest for lung cancer screening

A low-dose CT scan of the chest is a quick, painless procedure that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of your lungs. It's a key tool for early detection of lung cancer, especially for those at high risk.

This service was performed 60 times for 60 patients

Methacholine chloride administered as inhalation solution through a nebulizer, per 1 mg

Methacholine chloride is a medication given through a nebulizer as an inhalation solution. It's used to check how responsive or sensitive your lungs are, often to diagnose conditions like asthma. You'll inhale it, and your lung function will be monitored.

This service was performed 71 times for 71 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 97 times for 97 patients

New patient office or other outpatient visit, 60-74 minutes

This is a first-time patient visit where a healthcare professional spends 60-74 minutes with you. It involves a comprehensive evaluation, including your medical history and current health condition. They'll also advise on preventive health measures and formulate a treatment plan if needed.

This service was performed 54 times for 54 patients

Pneumococcal vaccine, 23-valent

The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine is an injection that helps protect against serious infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. It's vital for those at risk, like older adults or people with certain health conditions, to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

This service was performed 26 times for 26 patients

Test for exercise-induced lung stress

An exercise-induced lung stress test assesses how your lungs respond to physical activity. During the test, you'll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are monitored. This helps identify any abnormal lung responses to exercise.

This service was performed 223 times for 219 patients

Test to determine lung volumes using sensors

This test, called spirometry, measures lung capacity using sensors. You breathe into a mouthpiece attached to a device that records the amount and rate of air you inhale and exhale. It helps diagnose and monitor lung conditions.

This service was performed 518 times for 434 patients

Test to examine how well the lungs exchange gases

This is a test called a pulmonary function test, which helps understand the efficiency of your lungs. It measures how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs, and how well your lungs put oxygen into and remove carbon dioxide from your blood.

This service was performed 518 times for 434 patients

Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume

This test, known as spirometry, assesses how well your lungs work. It measures how much air you can inhale, how much you can exhale and how quickly you can exhale. It's non-invasive and helps diagnose conditions like asthma or COPD.

This service was performed 1,004 times for 526 patients

Test to measure expiratory airflow and volume changes before and after medication administration

This procedure measures how air flows in and out of your lungs. It's done before and after medication to see if the treatment improves your breathing. It's a simple, non-invasive test that involves breathing into a device called a spirometer.

This service was performed 51 times for 51 patients

Test to measure lung airway sensitivity

This procedure, called a Bronchial Challenge Test, evaluates how sensitive your lungs are to substances that may cause asthma symptoms. You'll inhale a certain substance, and then your lung function is measured. It aids in diagnosing and managing asthma.

This service was performed 93 times for 93 patients

X-ray of chest, 2 views

A chest X-ray, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Two different angles are used to get a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, heart problems, or lung cancer.

This service was performed 493 times for 417 patients

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 85.55, 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: 85.55 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: 88.15

  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: 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 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: 67.63

  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: 67.63

  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.

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.

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