Karl Ahlswede, MD
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Karl Ahlswede is a Hospice and Palliative Medicine specialist based in Williamsport, PA with over 38 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.
Also practices: GENERAL SURGERY
With over 38 years in surgery, Karl Ahlswede, MD is a long-established hospice and palliative medicine specialist in Williamsport. Trained at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University (class of 1988), he has been practicing for over 38 years. CMS Medicare data shows his patients commonly have hypertension, high cholesterol, and anxiety. CMS MIPS quality score: 81.54/100 (2023).
At a glance
- Uses generic medications more than 83% of reporting doctors in Pennsylvania
- Federal MIPS score higher than 41% of MIPS-scored doctors in Pennsylvania
- Virtual visits available — no app or travel required
Older · 1108dNPPES updated 2023-05-12 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine
How Does This Doctor Compare?
Based on Medicare data, this doctor has an average quality score compared to other doctors in Pennsylvania, favors affordable generic drugs over brand-name ones.
MIPS Score
202381.54/100
Pennsylvania avg: 83.7 · US avg: 83.6
⚠ Lower than most doctors nationally(-2.1 pts)
Average range among MIPS-scored doctors in PennsylvaniaHow the government rates this doctor's Medicare care quality. Scores above 75 are considered good.
Opioid Rx
↓ Lower = better56.53%
Pennsylvania avg: 4.3 · US avg: 5.1
⚠ Lower than most doctors nationally(+51.4 pts)
56.53% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.
Generic Rx
↑ Higher = better93.6%
Pennsylvania avg: 82.8 · US avg: 82.8
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(+10.8 pts)
Better than 83% of reporting doctors in PennsylvaniaHow often this doctor prescribes affordable generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name ones.
Medicare Patients
337
Unique beneficiaries
Standard volumePrescription Recipients
115
Patients prescribed
Prescriptions Written
766
Total claims
Total Medicare drug cost: $22k
Percentile rankings compared against 3,764 reporting peers in Pennsylvania.
Data Note: Sourced from CMS Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Percentile rankings compare this provider against all peers with reported data in the same state. Updated annually to reflect the latest federal reporting cycle.
What This Doctor Treats Most
Based on Medicare claims data — here's what patients commonly see this doctor for
Based on Medicare data, this doctor primarily manages Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Anxiety Disorders.
High blood pressure — a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke
US avg: 70.2%↑ More patients than average (+5%) — a focus area for this doctor
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk
US avg: 70.4%Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life
US avg: 34.1%↑ More patients than average (+18%) — a focus area for this doctor
Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
US avg: 49.3%↓ Fewer patients than average (-1%) — less common here
Conditions affecting emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder
Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often linked to diabetes or hypertension
US avg: 29.6%↑ More patients than average (+14%) — a focus area for this doctor
The heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body's needs
US avg: 22.5%↑ More patients than average (+21%) — a focus area for this doctor
A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities
US avg: 31.8%↑ More patients than average (+11%) — a focus area for this doctor
Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.
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Background & Specialty
Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.
Graduated medical school · 1988
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Board certified · May 11, 2023
Self-reported via NPPES
38 years in practice
Senior practitioner
A surgeon with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family throughout the course of the disease, through the dying process, and beyond for the family. This specialist has expertise in the assessment of patients with advanced disease; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse venues; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of-life care.
Taxonomy: 2086H0002X
Education & Training
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University (Class of 1988)
Mailing address
1201 Grampian Blvd, Williamsport, PA 17701-1900
Differs from practice location
Virtual Hospice and Palliative Medicine Care With Karl Ahlswede
NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.
Schedule a virtual visit with Karl Ahlswede for blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol management, anxiety counseling — no travel to Williamsport required. The office sends a secure video link before your appointment. Most visits take 15–30 minutes. Medicare enrolled per CMS records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Karl Ahlswede
NPI records show Dr. Ahlswede as active with telehealth listed in Williamsport, PA. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (570) 320-7680.
Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS QPP 2023 · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.
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Contact Karl Ahlswede
Practice Location
1100 Grampian Blvd, Williamsport, PA 17701-1907
Mailing Address
1201 Grampian Blvd, Williamsport, PA 17701-1900
This is a provider directory. Contact the office directly to schedule appointments.
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