Ralph Hester, M.D.
NPI 1215904974 · Ophthalmology Physician · Palm Desert, CA
Enrolled with Medicare as Practitioner - Ophthalmology · source: CMS PECOS Public Provider Enrollment (2026.04.01)
Ralph Hester, M.D. is a Ophthalmology Physician provider in Palm Desert, CA (NPI 1215904974).
Provider details
- NPI number
- 1215904974
- Entity type
- Individual
- Primary specialty
- Ophthalmology PhysicianAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
- Credential
- M.D.
- Sex
- Male
- Sole proprietor
- No
- License
- 17656 (OK)
Specialties & taxonomies
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Profile Score
A profile completeness & documented-activity index — NOT a quality, outcomes, or patient-satisfaction rating.
- Registry tenure25% of score
20 yrs in NPPES registry
- Profile completeness25% of score
100% of core fields populated
- Practice footprint15% of score
2 documented practice locations
- Medicare service volume (vs. specialty peers)25% of score
2,617 Medicare services, 2024 (ranked within specialty)
- Open Payments transparency10% of score
Has Open Payments disclosures (2024)
Medicare volume is ranked against active providers in the same specialty. Signals a provider has no public data for (e.g. Medicare claims) are left out of the score entirely — never counted as zero — so providers without that data are not penalized. See the full formula and weights in our .
What this provider does (Medicare)
Based on Medicare fee-for-service claims, 2024; not all care is captured.
| Service (HCPCS) | Medicare services | Typical Medicare-allowed (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Established Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Moderate Level of Decision Making, If Using Time, 30 Minutes Or More99214 | 898 | $119 |
| Imaging of Optic Nerve92133 | 319 | $33 |
| Removal of Cataract With Insertion of Prosthetic Lens66984 | 278 | $466 |
| Established Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Low Level OD Decision Making, If Using Time, 20 Minutes Or More99213 | 211 | $84 |
| Imaging of Retina92134 | 197 | $37 |
| Measurement of Corneal Curvature and Depth of Eye92136 | 196 | $26 |
What this provider prescribes (Medicare Part D)
Top drugs by Medicare Part D claim volume, 2024 · 15 distinct drugs on file.
| Drug | Part D claims (2024) | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Latanoprost | 407 | 117 |
| Ofloxacin | 368 | 248 |
| Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Dexamethabrand: Neomycin-Polymyxin-Dexameth | 275 | 245 |
| Fluorometholone Acetatebrand: Flarex | 113 | 72 |
| Bimatoprostbrand: Lumigan | 48 | 12 |
| Fluorometholone | 45 | 37 |
| Brimonidine Tartrate | 29 | — |
Transparency — industry payments
Based on CMS Open Payments, 2024; not all care is captured.
$429 across 29 records (Open Payments 2024)
Open Payments discloses payments and transfers of value (meals, travel, consulting, research, royalties) from drug and device makers to providers. This is a transparency signal, not a verdict — such payments are legal and common, and their presence is neither an endorsement nor a criticism. Source: CMS Open Payments, program year 2024.
Practice location
Mailing address
Additional practice locations (1)
- 1801 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Ste 200Palm Springs, CA 92262-7123Phone: (760) 269-4291Fax: (760) 327-2799
Registry dates
- Enumerated
- 2006-03-01
- Last updated
- 2026-01-22
- Certified
- 2026-01-22
Frequently asked questions
- What is Ralph Hester's NPI number?
- Ralph Hester's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1215904974, a unique 10-digit ID issued by CMS for use in standard healthcare transactions.
- What is Ralph Hester's specialty?
- Ralph Hester is listed in the NPPES registry with a primary specialty of Ophthalmology Physician (Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians).
- Where is Ralph Hester located?
- Ralph Hester's practice location on file with NPPES is 44139 Monterey Ave Ste a, Palm Desert, CA 92260-8700.
- What is Ralph Hester's phone number?
- The practice phone number listed in the NPPES registry for Ralph Hester is (760) 469-5195.
- Does Ralph Hester accept Medicare?
- Ralph Hester is approved to bill Medicare according to CMS PECOS enrollment data (2026.04.01). Confirm current participation with the provider before scheduling.
- Is Ralph Hester's NPI active?
- Yes — Ralph Hester's NPI (1215904974) is active in the NPPES registry as of the last update on 2026-01-22.
Source: CMS NPPES Data Dissemination (June 2026). NPI Central is not affiliated with CMS. Data is provided as-is from the public registry.