Stephen Wheless, M.D.
NPI 1649579996 · Otolaryngology Physician · Knoxville, TN
Enrolled with Medicare as Practitioner - Otolaryngology · source: CMS PECOS Public Provider Enrollment (2026.04.01)
Stephen Wheless, M.D. is a Otolaryngology Physician provider in Knoxville, TN (NPI 1649579996).
Provider details
- NPI number
- 1649579996
- Entity type
- Individual
- Primary specialty
- Otolaryngology PhysicianAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
- Credential
- M.D.
- Sex
- Male
- Sole proprietor
- No
- License
- MD0000053384 (TN)
Specialties & taxonomies
Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
Profile Score
A profile completeness & documented-activity index — NOT a quality, outcomes, or patient-satisfaction rating.
- Registry tenure25% of score
15 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
796 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 | 328 | $117 |
| New Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Moderate Level of Medical Decision Making, If Using Time, 45 Minutes Or More99204 | 142 | $152 |
| Diagnostic Exam of Nasal Passages Using an Endoscope31231 | 120 | $167 |
| Removal of Impacted Ear Wax69210 | 77 | $43 |
| Diagnostic Exam of Voice Box Using a Flexible Endoscope31575 | 73 | $114 |
| Ct Scan of Face Without Contrast70486 | 33 | $118 |
What this provider prescribes (Medicare Part D)
Top drugs by Medicare Part D claim volume, 2024 · 13 distinct drugs on file.
| Drug | Part D claims (2024) | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Montelukast Sodium | 140 | 31 |
| Ipratropium Bromide | 81 | 37 |
| Azelastine Hcl | 72 | 29 |
| Prednisone | 62 | 60 |
| Omeprazole | 46 | 26 |
| Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavbrand: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Potass | 39 | 38 |
| Clobetasol Propionate | 28 | 24 |
Transparency — industry payments
Based on CMS Open Payments, 2024; not all care is captured.
$346 across 18 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
- 2011-03-24
- Last updated
- 2016-06-27
Frequently asked questions
- What is Stephen Wheless's NPI number?
- Stephen Wheless's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1649579996, a unique 10-digit ID issued by CMS for use in standard healthcare transactions.
- What is Stephen Wheless's specialty?
- Stephen Wheless is listed in the NPPES registry with a primary specialty of Otolaryngology Physician (Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians).
- Where is Stephen Wheless located?
- Stephen Wheless's practice location on file with NPPES is 501 20th St, Knoxville, TN 37916-1809.
- What is Stephen Wheless's phone number?
- The practice phone number listed in the NPPES registry for Stephen Wheless is (865) 546-5477.
- Does Stephen Wheless accept Medicare?
- Stephen Wheless is approved to bill Medicare according to CMS PECOS enrollment data (2026.04.01). Confirm current participation with the provider before scheduling.
- Is Stephen Wheless's NPI active?
- Yes — Stephen Wheless's NPI (1649579996) is active in the NPPES registry as of the last update on 2016-06-27.
Source: CMS NPPES Data Dissemination (June 2026). NPI Central is not affiliated with CMS. Data is provided as-is from the public registry.