DR. LAURA LEANNE WHITAKER O.D.
NPI 1710967609
Optometrist in Athens, AL
NPI Status: Active since January 18, 2006
Contact Information
22894 US HIGHWAY 72
ATHENS, AL
ZIP 35613
Phone: (256) 232-2409
Fax: (256) 232-2402
- Individual
- Female
- Years of Experience 28
- Optometrist
- Accepts Insurance
- Accepts Medicare Approved Payment
- PECOS Enrolled
- Medicare Quality Reporting
About LAURA WHITAKER
This page provides the complete NPI Profile along with additional information for Laura Whitaker, a provider established in Athens, Alabama with a medical specialization in Optometrist and more than 28 years of experience. She graduated from University Alabama Birmingham - School Of Optometry in 1998. The healthcare provider is registered in the NPI registry with number 1710967609 assigned on January 2006. The practitioner's primary taxonomy code is 152W00000X with license number S889TA445 (AL). The provider is registered as an individual and her NPI record was last updated 7 years ago.
- NPI
- 1710967609
- Provider Name
- DR. LAURA LEANNE WHITAKER O.D.
- Gender
- Female
- Entity Type
- Individual
- Location Address
- 22894 US HIGHWAY 72 ATHENS, AL 35613
- Location Phone
- (256) 232-2409
- Location Fax
- (256) 232-2402
- Mailing Address
- 22894 US HIGHWAY 72 ATHENS, AL 35613
- Mailing Phone
- (256) 232-2409
- Mailing Fax
- (256) 232-2402
- Medical School Name
- UNIVERSITY ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM - SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY
- Graduation Year
- 1998
- Is Sole Proprietor?
- No
- Enumeration Date
- 01-18-2006
- Last Update Date
- 03-14-2019
- Code Navigator
Location Map
Secondary Locations
- 22984 US HIGHWAY 72
Athens, AL 35613
(256) 232-2409
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
Optometrist
- Taxonomy Code
- 152W00000X
- Type
- Eye and Vision Services Providers
- License No.
- S889TA445
- License State
- AL
- Taxonomy Description
- Doctors of optometry (ODs) are the primary health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures as well as identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.
Insurance Plans Accepted
According to publicly available information the provider might be accepting the following health plans from these health insurance companies:
- Blue HSA Bronze - PPO
- Blue Protect - PPO
- Blue Saver Bronze - PPO
- Blue Value Gold - PPO
- Blue Value Silver - PPO
- Blue Access Gold for Business - PPO
- Blue Choice Platinum for Business - PPO
- Blue HSA Silver for Business - PPO
- Blue Saver Bronze for Business - PPO
- Blue Saver Gold for Business - PPO
- Blue Secure Gold for Business - PPO
- Blue Secure Silver for Business - PPO
- UHC Bronze Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Bronze Copay Focus (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Bronze Copay Focus+ (Dental + Vision, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Bronze Standard (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Bronze Value ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $5 Tier 2 Rx, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Bronze Value (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Bronze Value+ ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $5 Tier 2 Rx, Dental + Vision, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Advantage ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $3 Tier 2 Rx, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Advantage (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Advantage+ ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $3 Tier 2 Rx, Dental + Vision, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Advantage+ (Dental + Vision, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, $3 Tier 2 Rx, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Copay Focus (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Gold Standard (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Silver Advantage (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Silver Advantage+ (Dental + Vision, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Silver Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Silver Copay Focus (No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Silver Copay Focus+ $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care, Dental + Vision, No Referrals) - EPO
- UHC Silver Standard (No Referrals) - EPO
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4835600001 | OTHER (01) | AL | DME |
| 51514732 | OTHER (01) | AL | BCBS |
| 51514732 | MEDICAID (05) | AL |
Medicare Participation & PECOS Enrollment Status
Laura Whitaker 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.
Laura Whitaker 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) and a Home Health Agency (HHA).
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: 2264538651
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: I20100901000092
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: No
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.
Closure of tear duct opening using plug
Established patient complete exam of visual system
Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes
Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes
Exam of the internal drainage system of eye
Exam of visual field with extended testing
Imaging of optic nerve
Imaging of retina
New patient complete exam of visual system
Photography of the retina
Closure of the tear duct opening using a plug is a procedure to address excessive tear production. A small device is inserted into the tear duct to block it, reducing tear flow and relieving symptoms. This is a safe, reversible process, often performed in-office.
This service was performed 26 times for 12 patientsAn 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 199 times for 199 patientsThis 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 91 times for 72 patientsThis 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 98 times for 55 patientsThis 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 21 times for 21 patientsAn 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 55 times for 50 patientsImaging 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 47 times for 46 patientsImaging 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 104 times for 93 patientsA 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 24 times for 24 patientsPhotography of the retina, also known as retinal imaging, is a non-invasive procedure that captures images of the back of your eye. This helps doctors identify and monitor conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. It's painless and quick, often part of a routine eye exam.
This service was performed 194 times for 191 patientsPhysician 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 35613 ZIP code area.
New Patients Visit Costs *
The most utilized procedure code for new patients office visits is 99204
- Average New Patient Price $122.31
- Minimum New Patient Price $52.65
- Maximum New Patient Price $161.63
- Average New Patient Copayment $30.57
- Minimum New Patient Copayment $13.16
- Maximum New Patient Copayment $40.4
Established Patients Visit Costs *
The most utilized procedure code for established patients office visits is 99213
- Average Established Patient Price $66.08
- Minimum Established Patient Price $16.56
- Maximum Established Patient Price $131.65
- Average Established Patient Copayment $16.52
- Minimum Established Patient Copayment $4.14
- Maximum Established Patient Copayment $32.91
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement of patients through implementation of improvements in patient portal | Yes | N/A |
| Access to an enhanced patient portal that provides up to date information related to relevant chronic disease health or blood pressure control, and includes interactive features allowing patients to enter health information and/or enables bidirectional communication about medication changes and adherence. | ||
| e-Prescribing | 100% | 323 |
| At least one permissible prescription written by the MIPS eligible clinician is queried for a drug formulary and transmitted electronically using certified EHR technology. | ||
| Health Information Exchange | 1% | 128 |
| The MIPS eligible clinician that transitions or refers their patient to another setting of care or health care clinician (1) uses CEHRT to create a summary of care record; and (2) electronically transmits such summary to a receiving health care clinician for at least one transition of care or referral. | ||
| Implementation of medication management practice improvements | Yes | N/A |
| Manage medications to maximize efficiency, effectiveness and safety that could include one or more of the following: Reconcile and coordinate medications and provide medication management across transitions of care settings and eligible clinicians or groups; Integrate a pharmacist into the care team; and/or Conduct periodic, structured medication reviews. | ||
| Medication Reconciliation | 9% | 168 |
| The MIPS eligible clinician performs medication reconciliation for at least one transition of care in which the patient is transitioned into the care of the MIPS eligible clinician. | ||
| Patient-Specific Education | 97% | 1310 |
| The MIPS eligible clinician must use clinically relevant information from CEHRT to identify patient-specific educational resources and provide access to those materials to at least one unique patient seen by the MIPS eligible clinician. | ||
| Provide 24/7 Access to MIPS Eligible Clinicians or Groups Who Have Real-Time Access to Patient's Medical Record | Yes | N/A |
| • Provide 24/7 access to MIPS eligible clinicians, groups, or care teams for advice about urgent and emergent care (e.g., MIPS eligible clinician and care team access to medical record, cross-coverage with access to medical record, or protocol-driven nurse line with access to medical record) that could include one or more of the following: • Expanded hours in evenings and weekends with access to the patient medical record (e.g., coordinate with small practices to provide alternate hour office visits and urgent care); • Use of alternatives to increase access to care team by MIPS eligible clinicians and groups, such as e-visits, phone visits, group visits, home visits and alternate locations (e.g., senior centers and assisted living centers); and/or Provision of same-day or next-day access to a consistent MIPS eligible clinician, group or care team when needed for urgent care or transition management. | ||
| Provide Patient Access | 97% | 1310 |
| At least one patient seen by the MIPS eligible clinician during the performance period is provided timely access to view online, download, and transmit to a third party their health information subject to the MIPS eligible clinician's discretion to withhold certain information. | ||
| Secure Messaging | 83% | 1310 |
| 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 CEHRT to the patient (or the patient-authorized representative), or in response to a secure message sent by the patient (or the patient-authorized representative) during the performance period. | ||
| Security Risk Analysis | Yes | N/A |
| Conduct or review a security risk analysis in accordance with the requirements in 45 CFR 164.308(a)(1), including addressing the security (to include encryption) of ePHI data created or maintained by certified EHR technology in accordance with requirements in 45 CFR164.312(a)(2)(iv) and 45 CFR 164.306(d)(3), and implement security updates as necessary and correct identified security deficiencies as part of the MIPS eligible clinician's risk management process. | ||
| Specialized Registry Reporting | Yes | N/A |
| The MIPS eligible clinician is in active engagement to submit data to specialized registry. To earn a 5 % bonus in the promoting interoperability performance category score for submitting to one or more public health or clinical data registries also attest to PI_TRANS_PHCDRR_3_MULTI. | ||
Reviews for DR. LAURA LEANNE WHITAKER O.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 Validation Check Digit Calculation
The following table explains the step by step NPI number validation process using the ISO standard Luhn algorithm.
| Start with the original NPI number, the last digit is the check digit and is not used in the calculation. | |||||||||
| 1 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| Step 1: Double the value of the alternate digits, beginning with the rightmost digit. | |||||||||
| 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 6 | 14 | 6 | 0 | |
| Step 2: Add all the doubled and unaffected individual digits from step 1 plus the constant number 24. | |||||||||
| 2 + 7 + 2 + 0 + 1 + 8 + 6 + 1 + 4 + 6 + 0 + 24 = 61 | |||||||||
| Step 3: Subtract the total obtained in step 2 from the next higher number ending in zero, the result is the check digit. | |||||||||
| 70 - 61 = 9 | 9 | ||||||||
The NPI number 1710967609 is valid because the calculated check digit 9 using the Luhn validation algorithm matches the last digit of the original NPI number.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NPI number assigned to this healthcare provider is 1710967609, enumerated in the NPI registry as an "individual" on January 18, 2006
The provider is located at 22894 Us Highway 72 Athens, Al 35613 and the phone number is (256) 232-2409
The provider's speciality is Optometrist with taxonomy code 152W00000X
The provider has more than 28 years of experience. She graduated from University Alabama Birmingham - School Of Optometry in 1998.
The provider might be accepting Accepts: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama,. Please consult your insurance carrier or call the provider to make sure your health plan is currently accepted.
Yes, as of June 20, 2025 the provider is registered in PECOS and is eligible to order health care services or supplies for Medicare patients. If you are a beneficiary the provider is eligible to order or refer: Part B Clinical Laboratory and Imaging, Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and a Home Health Agency (HHA).
Medicare beneficiaries should expect a typical cost of $122.31 with an average copayment of $30.57 for new patient appointments. Established patients should expect a typical charge of $66.08 and an average copayment of 16.52. Please review your insurance plan or contact the provider directly to determine your specific costs.
The most common procedures or services performed by this practitioner are: Closure of tear duct opening using plug, Established patient complete exam of visual system, Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 20-29 minutes, Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes, Exam of the internal drainage system of eye, Exam of visual field with extended testing, Imaging of optic nerve, Imaging of retina, New patient complete exam of visual system and Photography of the retina.
This NPI record was last updated on January 18, 2006. To officially update your NPI information contact the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) at 1-800-465-3203 (NPI Toll-Free) or by email at [email protected].
NPI Profile data is regularly updated with the latest NPI registry information, if you would like to update or remove your NPI Profile in this website please contact us.