LISA LI ZHU
Prescription History 1235524596
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Encino, CA


Quality Rating: 86.1 out of 100 score

NPI Status: Active since April 03, 2015

Contact Information

15503 VENTURA BLVD STE 170
ENCINO, CA
ZIP 91436
Phone: (818) 461-8148

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Prescription History for Informed Healthcare Decisions

Explore the verified Medicare Part D prescription history, volume metrics, and calculated drug costs for LISA LI ZHU, an active Rheumatology specialist practicing in Encino, CA. Our medical registry currently tracks 14 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 417 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate, which accounts for 75 claims alone.


Alendronate Sodium

Generic Formulation: Alendronate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 15
30-Day Fills 42.0
Days Supply 1,260
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims58.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills138.0
Peer Average Days Supply4,109
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 74.1% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $347.67 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$23.18

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.46

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A nonhormonal medication for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women. This drug builds healthy bone, restoring some of the bone loss as a result of osteoporosis.

Therapeutic Applications

Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Osteoporosis causes bones to become thinner and break more easily. Your chance of developing osteoporosis increases as you age, after menopause, or if you are taking corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone) for a long time. This medication works by slowing bone loss. This effect helps maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Alendronate belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates.

Allopurinol

Generic Formulation: AllopurinolSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 22
30-Day Fills 59.0
Days Supply 1,750
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims44.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills110.3
Peer Average Days Supply3,283
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 50.0% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $259.50 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.80

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$15.90

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A XANTHINE OXIDASE inhibitor that decreases URIC ACID production. It also acts as an antimetabolite on some simpler organisms.

Therapeutic Applications

Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body. Increased uric acid levels can cause gout and kidney problems.

Celecoxib

Generic Formulation: CelecoxibSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 23.0
Days Supply 675
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims43.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills63.3
Peer Average Days Supply1,852
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 69.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $222.86 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$17.14

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$60.11

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A pyrazole derivative and selective CYCLOOXYGENASE 2 INHIBITOR that is used to treat symptoms associated with RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; OSTEOARTHRITIS and JUVENILE ARTHRITIS, as well as the management of ACUTE PAIN.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities. If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Colchicine

Generic Formulation: ColchicineSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 28.0
Days Supply 840
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims23.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills32.6
Peer Average Days Supply841
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 39.1% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $927.85 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$66.28

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$110.12

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A major alkaloid from Colchicum autumnale L. and found also in other Colchicum species. Its primary therapeutic use is in the treatment of gout, but it has been used also in the therapy of familial Mediterranean fever (PERIODIC DISEASE).

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to prevent or treat gout attacks (flares). Usually gout symptoms develop suddenly and involve only one or a few joints. The big toe, knee, or ankle joints are most often affected. Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. When uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints. Colchicine works by decreasing swelling and lessening the build up of uric acid crystals that cause pain in the affected joint(s). This medication is also used to prevent attacks of pain in the abdomen, chest, or joints caused by a certain inherited disease (familial Mediterranean fever). It is thought to work by decreasing your body's production of a certain protein (amyloid A) that builds up in people with familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine is not a pain medication and should not be used to relieve other causes of pain.

Diclofenac Sodium

Generic Formulation: Diclofenac SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 58
30-Day Fills 62.3
Days Supply 1,316
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims55.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills62.5
Peer Average Days Supply1,502
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,562.33 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$26.94

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$41.99

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) with antipyretic and analgesic actions. It is primarily available as the sodium salt.

Therapeutic Applications

See also Warning section. This medication is used to relieve joint pain from arthritis. Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.

Duloxetine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Duloxetine HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 12
30-Day Fills 33.0
Days Supply 990
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims40.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills75.2
Peer Average Days Supply2,218
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 70.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $652.44 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$54.37

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$50.41

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A thiophene derivative and selective NEUROTRANSMITTER UPTAKE INHIBITOR for SEROTONIN and NORADRENALINE (SNRI). It is an ANTIDEPRESSIVE AGENT and ANXIOLYTIC, and is also used for the treatment of pain in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS and FIBROMYALGIA.

Therapeutic Applications

Duloxetine is used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition, duloxetine is used to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread pain). Duloxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and decrease nervousness. It can also decrease pain due to certain medical conditions. Duloxetine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

Gabapentin

Generic Formulation: GabapentinSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 32
30-Day Fills 42.1
Days Supply 1,232
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims81.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills134.7
Peer Average Days Supply3,929
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 60.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $959.51 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$29.98

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$21.28

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A cyclohexane-gamma-aminobutyric acid derivative that is used for the treatment of PARTIAL SEIZURES; NEURALGIA; and RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME.

Therapeutic Applications

Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures. It is also used to relieve nerve pain following shingles (a painful rash due to herpes zoster infection) in adults. Gabapentin is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Generic Formulation: Hydroxychloroquine SulfateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 75
30-Day Fills 174.0
Days Supply 5,166
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims88.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills180.2
Peer Average Days Supply5,332
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $4,142.79 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$55.24

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$68.60

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A chemotherapeutic agent that acts against erythrocytic forms of malarial parasites. Hydroxychloroquine appears to concentrate in food vacuoles of affected protozoa. It inhibits plasmodial heme polymerase. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p970)

Therapeutic Applications

Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs. This medication is also used to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for coronavirus infection, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Leflunomide

Generic Formulation: LeflunomideSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 50.2
Days Supply 1,507
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims58.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills126.6
Peer Average Days Supply3,779
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 69.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $992.44 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$55.14

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$99.86

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

An isoxazole derivative that inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, the fourth enzyme in the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. It is used an immunosuppressive agent in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS and PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the body's defense system (immune system) fails to recognize the body as itself and attacks the healthy tissues around the joints. Leflunomide helps to reduce the joint damage/pain/swelling and helps you to move better. It works by weakening your immune system and decreasing swelling (inflammation).

Meloxicam

Generic Formulation: MeloxicamSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 22.0
Days Supply 660
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims48.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills70.0
Peer Average Days Supply2,024
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 72.9% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $121.04 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.31

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.44

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A benzothiazine and thiazole derivative that acts as a NSAID and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; OSTEOARTHRITIS; and ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

Meloxicam is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Meloxicam is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling or pain.

Methotrexate

Generic Formulation: Methotrexate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 33
30-Day Fills 90.8
Days Supply 2,722
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims93.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills185.8
Peer Average Days Supply5,474
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 64.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $2,105.34 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$63.80

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$40.82

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

An antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an inhibitor of TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA.

Therapeutic Applications

Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.

Prednisone

Generic Formulation: PrednisoneSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 72
30-Day Fills 122.2
Days Supply 3,455
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims40.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills52.2
Peer Average Days Supply1,075
Highly Elevated Utilization

This provider exhibits a high preference for this treatment path, registering a volume 80.0% higher than the standard regional baseline profile for CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $990.46 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$13.76

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$8.18

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from CORTISONE. It is biologically inert and converted to PREDNISOLONE in the liver.

Therapeutic Applications

Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders. Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.

Sulfasalazine Dr

Generic Formulation: SulfasalazineSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 21
30-Day Fills 48.0
Days Supply 1,440
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims24.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills42.1
Peer Average Days Supply1,239
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,117.02 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$53.19

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$55.23

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A drug that is used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. Its activity is generally considered to lie in its metabolic breakdown product, 5-aminosalicylic acid (see MESALAMINE) released in the colon. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p907)

Therapeutic Applications

Sulfasalazine is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. This medication does not cure this condition, but it helps decrease symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. After an attack is treated, sulfasalazine is also used to increase the amount of time between attacks. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the large intestines. In addition, delayed-release tablets of sulfasalazine are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfasalazine helps to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with sulfasalazine helps to reduce/prevent further joint damage so you can do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is used with other drugs, rest, and physical therapy in patients who have not responded to other medications (salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs).

Tramadol Hcl

Generic Formulation: Tramadol HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 19
30-Day Fills 19.0
Days Supply 502
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims43.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills44.2
Peer Average Days Supply877
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 55.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $314.89 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.57

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$7.59

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Clinical Summary

A narcotic analgesic proposed for severe pain. It may be habituating.

Therapeutic Applications

See also Warning section. This medication is used to help relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Dataset Methodology & CMS Source Information

This analytical profile maps public infrastructure records sourced directly from official **Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)** public data releases. The statistics above track documented pharmaceutical treatment trends assigned to beneficiaries specifically under federal public programs. Evaluating the prescriptive footprints of clinical practitioners like LISA LI ZHU provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Encino, CA.

Key Learning Objectives for this Profile:

  • Prescribing Frequencies: Track and evaluate the volume metrics of specific brand-name and generic medical formulas chosen by this provider over time.
  • Clinical Focus Areas: Identify how the provider distributes therapeutic selections across medical care options to gain insight into their true day-to-day **Rheumatology** practice concentrations.
  • Program Cost Awareness: Review the calculated total systemic drug costs and raw transactional volumes linked to these orders to better anticipate network insurance coverage structures.
  • Patient-Centered Evaluation: Cross-reference localized regional care comparisons to align practitioner habits directly with your proactive health maintenance goals.

Data Scope Exclusion & Limitations: The data elements presented above explicitly reflect prescription orders processed for Medicare beneficiaries during the year 2023. This informational profile does not aggregate prescription data for individuals utilizing private commercial health plans, state Medicaid coverage, or self-pay options. However, because medical decision-making remains highly consistent across clinical settings, this public registry provides a reliable proxy for understanding the general prescribing preferences and pharmaceutical care approach used by this provider.