DR. NICHOLAS MICHAEL LOPEZ M.D.
Prescription History 1316037005
Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery) in Paducah, KY


Quality Rating: 95.5 out of 100 score

NPI Status: Active since October 13, 2006

Contact Information

2601 KENTUCKY AVE
SUITE 300
PADUCAH, KY
ZIP 42003
Phone: (270) 443-5564
Fax: (270) 443-5549

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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 DR. NICHOLAS MICHAEL LOPEZ M.D., an active Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery) specialist practicing in Paducah, KY. Our medical registry currently tracks 11 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 313 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Clopidogrel, which accounts for 54 claims alone.


Amiodarone Hcl

Generic Formulation: Amiodarone HclSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 17
30-Day Fills 18.0
Days Supply 517
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims41.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills73.3
Peer Average Days Supply2,144
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 58.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $988.33 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$58.14

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$25.49

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.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat certain types of serious (possibly fatal) irregular heartbeat (such as recurrent ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia). It is used to restore normal heart rhythm and maintain a regular, steady heartbeat. Amiodarone is known as an anti-arrhythmic drug. It works by blocking certain electrical signals in the heart that can cause an irregular heartbeat.

Atorvastatin Calcium

Generic Formulation: Atorvastatin CalciumSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 36
30-Day Fills 68.0
Days Supply 2,040
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims188.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills421.0
Peer Average Days Supply12,532
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 80.9% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $347.90 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.66

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.12

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 pyrrole and heptanoic acid derivative, HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITOR (statin), and ANTICHOLESTEREMIC AGENT that is used to reduce serum levels of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B; and TRIGLYCERIDES. It is used to increase serum levels of HDL-CHOLESTEROL in the treatment of HYPERLIPIDEMIAS, and for the prevention of CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES in patients with multiple risk factors.

Therapeutic Applications

Atorvastatin is used along with a proper diet to help lower bad cholesterol and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides) and raise good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It belongs to a group of drugs known as statins. It works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Lowering bad cholesterol and triglycerides and raising good cholesterol decreases the risk of heart disease and helps prevent strokes and heart attacks. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

Clopidogrel

Generic Formulation: Clopidogrel BisulfateSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 54
30-Day Fills 64.0
Days Supply 1,920
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims73.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills151.2
Peer Average Days Supply4,494
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 26.0% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $389.10 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7.21

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.72

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 ticlopidine analog and platelet purinergic P2Y receptor antagonist that inhibits adenosine diphosphate-mediated PLATELET AGGREGATION. It is used to prevent THROMBOEMBOLISM in patients with ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE DISEASES; MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; STROKE; or ATRIAL FIBRILLATION.

Therapeutic Applications

Clopidogrel is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack), recent stroke, or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). It is also used with aspirin to treat new/worsening chest pain (new heart attack, unstable angina) and to keep blood vessels open and prevent blood clots after certain procedures (such as cardiac stent). Clopidogrel works by blocking platelets from sticking together and prevents them from forming harmful clots. It is an antiplatelet drug. It helps keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.

Furosemide

Generic Formulation: FurosemideSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 24
30-Day Fills 24.0
Days Supply 170
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims99.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills179.6
Peer Average Days Supply5,169
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 75.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $18.21 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$0.76

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$4.79

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 benzoic-sulfonamide-furan. It is a diuretic with fast onset and short duration that is used for EDEMA and chronic RENAL INSUFFICIENCY.

Therapeutic Applications

Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a water pill (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.

Lisinopril

Generic Formulation: LisinoprilSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 21
30-Day Fills 33.0
Days Supply 990
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims148.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills325.5
Peer Average Days Supply9,708
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 85.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $85.04 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$4.05

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.98

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

One of the ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACE inhibitors), orally active, that has been used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Therapeutic Applications

Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat heart failure and to improve survival after a heart attack. Lisinopril belongs to a class of drugs known as ACE inhibitors. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Losartan Potassium

Generic Formulation: Losartan PotassiumSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 12
30-Day Fills 26.0
Days Supply 780
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims106.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills240.4
Peer Average Days Supply7,172
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 88.7% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $72.94 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.08

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.21

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 antagonist of ANGIOTENSIN TYPE 1 RECEPTOR with antihypertensive activity due to the reduced pressor effect of ANGIOTENSIN II.

Therapeutic Applications

Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Metoprolol Succinate

Generic Formulation: Metoprolol SuccinateSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 18.0
Days Supply 525
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims109.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills240.5
Peer Average Days Supply7,160
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 87.2% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $124.57 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$8.90

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$17.57

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 selective adrenergic beta-1 blocking agent that is commonly used to treat ANGINA PECTORIS; HYPERTENSION; and CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body (such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

Metoprolol Tartrate

Generic Formulation: Metoprolol TartrateSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 53
30-Day Fills 74.0
Days Supply 2,220
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims89.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills177.6
Peer Average Days Supply5,246
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 40.4% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $324.10 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.12

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.09

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 selective adrenergic beta-1 blocking agent that is commonly used to treat ANGINA PECTORIS; HYPERTENSION; and CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS.

Therapeutic Applications

Metoprolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is also used to treat chest pain (angina) and to improve survival after a heart attack. Metoprolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. It works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body, such as epinephrine, on the heart and blood vessels. This effect lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

Oxycodone-Acetaminophen

Generic Formulation: Oxycodone Hcl/AcetaminophenSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 33
30-Day Fills 33.0
Days Supply 147
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims117.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills117.6
Peer Average Days Supply2,841
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 71.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $146.31 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$4.43

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$34.45

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.

Therapeutic Applications

This combination medication is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It contains an opioid pain reliever (oxycodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). Oxycodone works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen can also reduce a fever.

Pantoprazole Sodium

Generic Formulation: Pantoprazole SodiumSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 26
30-Day Fills 26.0
Days Supply 780
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims103.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills198.5
Peer Average Days Supply5,880
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 74.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $164.08 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.31

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$13.67

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

2-pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazole proton pump inhibitor that is used in the treatment of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX and PEPTIC ULCER.

Therapeutic Applications

Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. This medication relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. It helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Potassium Chloride

Generic Formulation: Potassium ChlorideSpecialty: Thoracic Surgery
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 23
30-Day Fills 23.0
Days Supply 158
KY State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims82.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills142.6
Peer Average Days Supply4,127
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 72.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside KY. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $133.48 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.80

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$25.79

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 white crystal or crystalline powder used in BUFFERS; FERTILIZERS; and EXPLOSIVES. It can be used to replenish ELECTROLYTES and restore WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE in treating HYPOKALEMIA.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood. A normal level of potassium in the blood is important. Potassium helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Most people get enough potassium by eating a well-balanced diet. Some conditions that can lower your body's potassium level include severe prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormone problems such as hyperaldosteronism, or treatment with water pills/diuretics.

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 DR. NICHOLAS MICHAEL LOPEZ M.D. provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Paducah, KY.

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 **Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgery)** 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.