Paula Nicola, M.D.
NPI 1659319010 · Ophthalmology Physician · Chattanooga, TN
Enrolled with Medicare as Practitioner - Ophthalmology · source: CMS PECOS Public Provider Enrollment (2026.04.01)
Paula Nicola, M.D. is a Ophthalmology Physician provider in Chattanooga, TN (NPI 1659319010).
Provider details
- NPI number
- 1659319010
- Entity type
- Individual
- Primary specialty
- Ophthalmology PhysicianAllopathic & Osteopathic Physicians
- Credential
- M.D.
- Sex
- Female
- Sole proprietor
- Yes
- License
- 0000037970 (TN)
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
735 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 Complete Exam of Visual System92014 | 330 | $114 |
| Established Patient Office Or Other Outpatient Visit With Moderate Level of Decision Making, If Using Time, 30 Minutes Or More99214 | 139 | $116 |
| Imaging of Optic Nerve92133 | 58 | $33 |
| New Patient Complete Exam of Visual System92004 | 50 | $137 |
| Visit Complexity Inherent to Evaluation and Management Associated With Medical Care Services That Serve As the Continuing Focal Point for All Needed Health Care Services And/Or With Medical Care Services That Are Part of Ongoing Care Related to a Patient'SG2211 | 50 | $15 |
| Exam of Visual Field With Extended Testing92083 | 43 |
What this provider prescribes (Medicare Part D)
Top drugs by Medicare Part D claim volume, 2024 · 16 distinct drugs on file.
| Drug | Part D claims (2024) | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| Latanoprost | 331 | 86 |
| Timolol Maleate | 74 | 25 |
| Erythromycin Basebrand: Erythromycin | 66 | 20 |
| Prednisolone Acetate | 62 | 40 |
| Neomycin/Polymyxin B/Dexamethabrand: Neomycin-Polymyxin-Dexameth | 59 | 29 |
| Dorzolamide Hcl/Timolol Maleatbrand: Dorzolamide-Timolol | 58 | 18 |
| Brimonidine Tartrate/Timololbrand: Brimonidine Tartrate-Timolol |
Transparency — industry payments
Based on CMS Open Payments, 2024; not all care is captured.
$183 across 7 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)
- 5870 Highway-153Suite 122Hixson, TN 37343-3734Phone: (423) 243-3342Fax: (423) 402-8155
Registry dates
- Enumerated
- 2006-06-04
- Last updated
- 2020-12-10
- Certified
- 2020-12-10
Frequently asked questions
- What is Paula Nicola's NPI number?
- Paula Nicola's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1659319010, a unique 10-digit ID issued by CMS for use in standard healthcare transactions.
- What is Paula Nicola's specialty?
- Paula Nicola is listed in the NPPES registry with a primary specialty of Ophthalmology Physician (Allopathic & Osteopathic Physicians).
- Where is Paula Nicola located?
- Paula Nicola's practice location on file with NPPES is 979 E 3rd St Ste 240, Chattanooga, TN 37403-2136.
- What is Paula Nicola's phone number?
- The practice phone number listed in the NPPES registry for Paula Nicola is (423) 243-3330.
- Does Paula Nicola accept Medicare?
- Paula Nicola is approved to bill Medicare according to CMS PECOS enrollment data (2026.04.01). Confirm current participation with the provider before scheduling.
- Is Paula Nicola's NPI active?
- Yes — Paula Nicola's NPI (1659319010) is active in the NPPES registry as of the last update on 2020-12-10.
Source: CMS NPPES Data Dissemination (June 2026). NPI Central is not affiliated with CMS. Data is provided as-is from the public registry.