KUMAR VENKATACHALAM MD
Prescription History 1154325421
Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology in Merrillville, IN
What does Dr. Venkatachalam prescribe?
In 2024, Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 3,658 Medicare prescriptions for 48 medications. The most prescribed was Omeprazole, with 708 prescriptions for 225 patients.
Medicare Part D only. These are prescriptions filled by people with Medicare drug coverage in 2024, from the CMS data released in 2026, the most recent year available. CMS does not publish medications with fewer than 11 prescriptions, so this is not a full list of what Dr. Venkatachalam prescribes.
Medications 48 medications
Prescriptions filled under Medicare Part D in 2024. Select a medication to see what it is used for and how it compares with other Indiana prescribers.
What it is used for
Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 708 prescriptions for Omeprazole, about 6.4 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (111). Medicare paid $8.40 per fill, versus $12.17 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 468 prescriptions for Pantoprazole Sodium, about 4.9 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (95). Medicare paid $14.80 per fill, versus $12.28 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 368 prescriptions for Gavilyte-G, about 5.5 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (67). Medicare paid $10.09 per fill, versus $13.37 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Dicyclomine is used to treat a certain type of intestinal problem called irritable bowel syndrome.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 302 prescriptions for Dicyclomine Hcl, about 10 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (29). Medicare paid $16.40 per fill, versus $20.29 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
See also Warning section.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 161 prescriptions for Linzess, about 5.4 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (30). Medicare paid $909.53 per fill, versus $822.13 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain conditions of the stomach and intestines.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 149 prescriptions for Metoclopramide Hcl, about 5.9 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (25). Medicare paid $6.06 per fill, versus $8.06 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 128 prescriptions for Gavilyte-C, about 1.9 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (68). Medicare paid $16.58 per fill, versus $17.09 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 119 prescriptions for Famotidine, about 2 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (58). Medicare paid $10.67 per fill, versus $12.17 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 75 prescriptions for Ondansetron Hcl, about 2.3 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (33). Medicare paid $19.56 per fill, versus $52.26 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Dexlansoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 68 prescriptions for Dexlansoprazole Dr, about 3.2 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (21). Medicare paid $259.59 per fill, versus $222.53 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Esomeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 68 prescriptions for Esomeprazole Magnesium, about 2.6 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $20.50 per fill, versus $37.44 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 67 prescriptions for Peg-3350 And Electrolytes, about 1.8 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (36). Medicare paid $13.15 per fill, versus $15.26 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the intestines.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 65 prescriptions for Sucralfate, about 2.2 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (29). Medicare paid $22.43 per fill, versus $50.36 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat diarrhea.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 58 prescriptions for Diphenoxylate-Atropine, about 2.7 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (22). Medicare paid $24.02 per fill, versus $21.99 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Colestipol is used along with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in the blood.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 56 prescriptions for Colestipol Hcl, about 1.9 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (29). Medicare paid $60.00 per fill, versus $75.33 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication contains digestive enzymes to help break down and digest fats, starch, and proteins in food.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 56 prescriptions for Creon, about 2.4 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (23). Medicare paid $3,065.92 per fill, versus $2,270.39 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Ursodiol is used to dissolve certain types of gallstones, to prevent gallstones from forming in obese patients who are losing weight rapidly, and to treat a certain type of liver disease (primary biliary cholangitis).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 53 prescriptions for Ursodiol, about 2 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $182.95 per fill, versus $167.66 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat a certain bowel condition (Crohn's disease).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 52 prescriptions for Budesonide Dr, about 2.3 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (23). Medicare paid $72.39 per fill, versus $146.96 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 44 prescriptions for Mesalamine, about 1.8 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $398.98 per fill, versus $437.98 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat a certain bowel condition (Crohn's disease).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 36 prescriptions for Budesonide Ec, about 2 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (18). Medicare paid $547.70 per fill, versus $239.79 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Rabeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 36 prescriptions for Rabeprazole Sodium, about 1.7 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (21). Medicare paid $31.55 per fill, versus $41.49 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Balsalazide is used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 34 prescriptions for Balsalazide Disodium, about 1.6 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (22). Medicare paid $155.62 per fill, versus $170.19 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Sulfasalazine is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 33 prescriptions for Sulfasalazine, about as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (35). Medicare paid $32.21 per fill, versus $24.58 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used alone or with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy) and radiation therapy.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 28 prescriptions for Ondansetron Odt, about as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (29). Medicare paid $28.56 per fill, versus $18.44 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 27 prescriptions for Alprazolam, about 38% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (70). Medicare paid $7.82 per fill, versus $4.87 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used along with a proper diet and exercise to lower cholesterol in people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 27 prescriptions for Colesevelam Hcl, about 1.3 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (20). Medicare paid $84.81 per fill, versus $118.77 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of infections.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 27 prescriptions for Metronidazole, about 1.2 times as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (22). Medicare paid $13.33 per fill, versus $32.49 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Azathioprine is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received a kidney transplant.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 25 prescriptions for Azathioprine, about as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (25). Medicare paid $72.40 per fill, versus $43.93 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 25 prescriptions for Humira(Cf) Pen, about 62% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (40). Medicare paid $10,054.79 per fill, versus $8,629.43 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Lansoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 23 prescriptions for Lansoprazole, about as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (21). Medicare paid $219.14 per fill, versus $36.63 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 21 prescriptions for Prednisone, about half as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (49). Medicare paid $6.02 per fill, versus $3.47 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain types of constipation (chronic idiopathic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome with constipation).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 19 prescriptions for Lubiprostone, about 78% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $116.01 per fill, versus $105.97 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
PEG (polyethylene glycol) with electrolyte is used to clean out the intestines before certain bowel exam procedures such as colonoscopy or barium enema X-rays.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 19 prescriptions for Peg 3350-Electrolyte, about 34% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (57). Medicare paid $15.51 per fill, versus $20.79 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat diarrhea caused by the common bacteria known as E.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 19 prescriptions for Xifaxan, about 66% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (29). Medicare paid $2,762.63 per fill, versus $2,665.43 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This product is used to clean out the intestines before a certain bowel exam procedure (colonoscopy).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 17 prescriptions for Sutab, about half as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (32). Medicare paid $164.80 per fill, versus $162.58 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication contains digestive enzymes to help break down and digest fats, starch, and proteins in food.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 17 prescriptions for Zenpep, about as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (18). Medicare paid $1,582.36 per fill, versus $2,853.81 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Vancomycin is used to treat a certain intestinal condition (colitis) that may rarely happen after treatment with antibiotics.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 16 prescriptions for Vancomycin Hcl, about 62% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $263.97 per fill, versus $143.06 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Cholestyramine is used along with a proper diet to lower cholesterol in the blood.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 15 prescriptions for Cholestyramine, about 75% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (20). Medicare paid $113.55 per fill, versus $81.49 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Fluconazole is used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 15 prescriptions for Fluconazole, about 65% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (23). Medicare paid $3.96 per fill, versus $9.40 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat depression.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 15 prescriptions for Mirtazapine, about 31% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (48). Medicare paid $7.71 per fill, versus $19.71 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 14 prescriptions for Humira(Cf), about 77% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (18). Medicare paid $6,343.85 per fill, versus $7,776.91 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/citric acid solution is used to clean out the intestines before surgery or certain procedures (such as colonoscopy, X-rays).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 13 prescriptions for Clenpiq, about 37% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (35). Medicare paid $171.38 per fill, versus $172.27 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
See also Warning section.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 13 prescriptions for Loperamide, about half as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (29). Medicare paid $14.78 per fill, versus $18.63 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
See also Warning section.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 13 prescriptions for Promethazine Hcl, about half as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (25). Medicare paid $15.68 per fill, versus $9.92 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 12 prescriptions for Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Potass, about half as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (27). Medicare paid $4.80 per fill, versus $8.68 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Levofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 12 prescriptions for Levofloxacin, about half as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $4.89 per fill, versus $5.96 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (such as insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching).
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 11 prescriptions for Hydrocortisone, about 33% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (33). Medicare paid $5.15 per fill, versus $15.76 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
See also Warning section.
Compared with Indiana prescribers
Dr. Venkatachalam wrote 11 prescriptions for Ibsrela, about 71% as often as the typical Indiana prescriber of it (16). Medicare paid $1,755.14 per fill, versus $2,334.99 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
Questions about Dr. Venkatachalam’s prescriptions
What does Dr. Venkatachalam prescribe most?
In 2024 Medicare Part D data, Dr. Venkatachalam's most prescribed medications were Omeprazole (708), Pantoprazole Sodium (468) and Gavilyte-G (368).
How does Dr. Venkatachalam's prescribing compare with other Indiana prescribers?
Of the 48 medications with a state comparison, Dr. Venkatachalam prescribes 23 more often than the typical Indiana prescriber, 8 about as often and 17 less often. Volume reflects practice size as well as prescribing habits.
Does this list show every medication Dr. Venkatachalam prescribes?
No. It covers prescriptions filled by people with Medicare Part D drug coverage in 2024, and CMS leaves out any medication with fewer than 11 prescriptions.
About this data
This page shows one provider’s slice of public Medicare files. NPI Profile does not receive prescriptions or patient records.
| Source | What it provides here | Data year |
|---|---|---|
| CMS Medicare Part D Prescribers by Provider and Drug | Each medication, prescriptions, patients, 30-day fills, days of medication and cost. State comparisons average the Indiana prescribers of the same medication and form, where at least five wrote it. | 2024 (released 2026, the most recent available) |
| CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard | What each medication is used for. | 2024 |
- Only prescriptions filled by people with Medicare Part D drug coverage are counted. Private insurance, Medicaid and cash purchases are not.
- CMS leaves out medications with fewer than 11 prescriptions and hides patient counts under 11.
- Cost per fill is what the plan and the patient paid the pharmacy together, not what you pay at the counter.
- Medication descriptions are summaries from CMS. They are not medical advice; ask a health care professional about any medication.
