Walter Sams, MD
NPI 1417179268 · Ophthalmology Physician · Athens, GA
Enrolled with Medicare as Practitioner - Ophthalmology · source: CMS PECOS Public Provider Enrollment (2026.04.01)
Walter Sams, MD is a Ophthalmology Physician provider in Athens, GA (NPI 1417179268).
Provider details
- NPI number
- 1417179268
- Entity type
- Individual
- Primary specialty
- Ophthalmology PhysicianAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
- Credential
- MD
- Sex
- Male
- Sole proprietor
- No
- License
- 0116017491 (VA)
Specialties & taxonomies
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Student, Health Care
Profile Score
A profile completeness & documented-activity index — NOT a quality, outcomes, or patient-satisfaction rating.
- Registry tenure25% of score
19 yrs in NPPES registry
- Profile completeness25% of score
100% of core fields populated
- Practice footprint15% of score
1 documented practice location
- Medicare service volume (vs. specialty peers)25% of score
3,276 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 | 627 | $120 |
| Established Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Low Level OD Decision Making, If Using Time, 20 Minutes Or More99213 | 624 | $85 |
| Measurement of Corneal Curvature and Depth of Eye92136 | 557 | $24 |
| Removal of Cataract With Insertion of Prosthetic Lens66984 | 341 | $434 |
| New Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Moderate Level of Medical Decision Making, If Using Time, 45 Minutes Or More99204 | 296 | $157 |
| Imaging of Optic Nerve92133 |
What this provider prescribes (Medicare Part D)
Top drugs by Medicare Part D claim volume, 2024 · 23 distinct drugs on file.
| Drug | Part D claims (2024) | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Latanoprost | 930 | 211 |
| Dorzolamide Hcl/Timolol Maleatbrand: Dorzolamide-Timolol | 260 | 69 |
| Prednisolone Acetate | 212 | 141 |
| Timolol Maleate | 154 | 47 |
| Brimonidine Tartrate | 120 | 38 |
| Erythromycin Basebrand: Erythromycin | 81 | 73 |
| Dorzolamide Hcl | 79 | 21 |
Transparency — industry payments
Based on CMS Open Payments, 2024; not all care is captured.
$689 across 26 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
Registry dates
- Enumerated
- 2007-05-02
- Last updated
- 2021-06-14
- Certified
- 2021-06-14
Frequently asked questions
- What is Walter Sams's NPI number?
- Walter Sams's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1417179268, a unique 10-digit ID issued by CMS for use in standard healthcare transactions.
- What is Walter Sams's specialty?
- Walter Sams is listed in the NPPES registry with a primary specialty of Ophthalmology Physician (Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians).
- Where is Walter Sams located?
- Walter Sams's practice location on file with NPPES is 105 Trinity Pl, Athens, GA 30607-2112.
- What is Walter Sams's phone number?
- The practice phone number listed in the NPPES registry for Walter Sams is (706) 549-9993.
- Does Walter Sams accept Medicare?
- Walter Sams is approved to bill Medicare according to CMS PECOS enrollment data (2026.04.01). Confirm current participation with the provider before scheduling.
- Is Walter Sams's NPI active?
- Yes — Walter Sams's NPI (1417179268) is active in the NPPES registry as of the last update on 2021-06-14.
Source: CMS NPPES Data Dissemination (June 2026). NPI Central is not affiliated with CMS. Data is provided as-is from the public registry.