Katrina Nickels, MD
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Katrina Nickels is a Hospice and Palliative Medicine specialist based in Lexington, KY with over 23 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.
Also practices: INTERNAL MEDICINE
Katrina Nickels, MD practices as part of a group hospice and palliative medicine specialist practice in Lexington, KY. She graduated from University of Kentucky College of Medicine in 2003 and has 23+ years of clinical experience. Among her Medicare patients, common conditions include hypertension, anxiety, and mood disorders (per CMS data). CMS MIPS quality score: 100/100 (2023).
At a glance
- Federal MIPS score higher than 68% of MIPS-scored doctors in Kentucky
- Virtual visits available — no app or travel required
Older · 1386dNPPES updated 2022-08-08 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure
Contact & Location
Practice Location
800 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40536-3229
How Does This Doctor Compare?
Based on Medicare data, this doctor has an average quality score compared to other doctors in Kentucky.
MIPS Score
2023100/100
Kentucky avg: 90.2 · US avg: 83.6
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(+16.4 pts)
Average range among MIPS-scored doctors in KentuckyHow the government rates this doctor's Medicare care quality. Scores above 75 are considered good.
Opioid Rx
↓ Lower = better46.18%
Kentucky avg: 4.1 · US avg: 5.1
⚠ Lower than most doctors nationally(+41.1 pts)
46.18% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.
Generic Rx
↑ Higher = better78.7%
Kentucky avg: 84.2 · US avg: 82.8
⚠ Lower than most doctors nationally(-4.1 pts)
How often this doctor prescribes affordable generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name ones.
Medicare Patients
55
Unique beneficiaries
Standard volumePrescription Recipients
33
Patients prescribed
Prescriptions Written
563
Total claims
Total Medicare drug cost: $50k
Percentile rankings compared against 922 reporting peers in Kentucky.
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, Anxiety Disorders, and Mood 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
Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life
US avg: 34.1%↑ More patients than average (+24%) — a focus area for this doctor
Conditions affecting emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk
US avg: 70.4%↓ Fewer patients than average (-15%) — less common here
A mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities
US avg: 31.8%↑ More patients than average (+23%) — a focus area for this doctor
A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels
US avg: 34.5%↑ More patients than average (+13%) — a focus area for this doctor
Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
US avg: 49.3%↓ Fewer patients than average (-5%) — less common here
Problematic patterns of drug or alcohol use leading to health issues
Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.
$52 received from industry
1 transaction reported in 2018 ·Low tier
Payments include consulting fees, speaking honoraria, food & beverage, travel, research support, and ownership interests from drug and medical device manufacturers. Disclosure is required by the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act. These payments do not necessarily indicate conflicts of interest. National median: $338 across 136 000 tracked providers.
Tiers — Low: under $500 · Moderate: $500-5 000 · High: $5 000-25 000 · Very High: $25 000+. Source: CMS Open Payments 2018, attributed to Katrina Nickels's NPI.
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Background & Specialty
Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.
Graduated medical school · 2003
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Board certified · Aug 7, 2022
Self-reported via NPPES
23 years in practice
Experienced
An internal medicine physician 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: 207RH0002X
Education & Training
University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Class of 2003)
Mailing address
2312 Alexandria Dr, Lexington, KY 40504-3229
Differs from practice location
Virtual Hospice and Palliative Medicine Care With Katrina Nickels
NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.
Schedule a virtual visit with Katrina Nickels for blood pressure monitoring, anxiety counseling, mood disorder follow-ups — no travel to Lexington 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 Katrina Nickels
NPI records show Dr. Nickels as active with telehealth listed in Lexington, KY. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (859) 257-1000.
Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS QPP 2023 · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Open Payments 2018 · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.
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Contact Katrina Nickels
Practice Location
800 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40536-3229
Mailing Address
2312 Alexandria Dr, Lexington, KY 40504-3229
This is a provider directory. Contact the office directly to schedule appointments.
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