Quick answers
- Does Russell L. Whatley accept Medicare assignment?
- Medicare's clinician data says Russell L. Whatley may accept Medicare assignment (as of October 2, 2026). Ask the office whether they accept it for your visit.
- How many Medicare patients does Russell L. Whatley see?
- In 2024, CMS data shows 300 Original Medicare patients and 460 services for Russell L. Whatley. This counts Original Medicare only and measures volume, not quality.
- What is Russell L. Whatley's NPI number?
- 1740358076. The NPI (National Provider Identifier) is the clinician's permanent federal ID; you can look it up in the official NPI Registry.
Medicare activity in 2024
Official CMS public-use data for Russell L. Whatley, data year 2024 (released May 21, 2026). It covers Original Medicare (fee-for-service) patients only, not Medicare Advantage or other insurance. It shows volume, not quality or outcomes. CMS hides any count of 10 or fewer patients.
| Original Medicare patients | 300 |
|---|---|
| Services billed to Medicare | 460 |
| Different services or procedures | 18 |
| Participating Medicare provider | Yes |
| Average age of these patients | 74 |
Most frequent services
- Established patient complete exam of visual system (92014)78 services
- Established patient office or other outpatient visit with straightforward medical decision making, if using time, 10 minutes or more (99212)60 services
- Established patient office or other outpatient visit with moderate level of decision making, if using time, 30 minutes or more (99214)60 services
- Established patient office or other outpatient visit with low level od decision making, if using time, 20 minutes or more (99213)55 services
- Removal of cataract with insertion of prosthetic lens (66984)51 services
Chronic conditions among these patients
Share of this clinician’s Original Medicare patients with each condition, as published by CMS (it describes the patients, not the care given).
- High blood pressure75%
- High cholesterol75%
- Arthritis48%
- Diabetes31%
- Ischemic heart disease31%
- Chronic kidney disease21%
Practice locations
Addresses where Russell L. Whatley is enrolled with Medicare (CMS data updated October 2, 2026).
- 518 Ave AOpelika, AL 36801 (334) 745‑3112
Group practices
Medicare enrollment lists Russell L. Whatley as a member of this group (CMS data updated October 2, 2026).
- Southern Eye Care Associates LLC2 clinicians in the group
Specialties
- Optometryprimary
Other optometrists in Opelika
Clinicians with the same Medicare primary specialty in Opelika, AL — not a recommendation.
Other clinicians in Southern Eye Care Associates LLC
Medicare enrollment lists these clinicians in the same group practice — not a recommendation.
Clinician information
| Credential | OD |
|---|---|
| Graduation year | 1990 (36 years since optometry school) |
| Gender (as listed) | Male |
| Medicare assignment | May accept for some services |
| NPI (National Provider Identifier) | 1740358076 |
| Corrections | Report an error or suggest an update → |
Most corrections must be made at the source: clinicians update their NPI Registry record (NPPES) and their Medicare enrollment (PECOS); this page follows the next data release.
Sources
- National Downloadable File (Doctors and Clinicians) — CMS, data updated October 2, 2026, retrieved October 29, 2026
- Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners - by Provider — CMS, data year 2024, released May 21, 2026; Medicare Physician & Other Practitioners - by Provider and Service
- NPI Registry — U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NPPES), the clinician’s official record
- Medicare Care Compare — official Medicare tool to look up clinicians