DR. DEBBIE LITMAN M.D.
Prescription History 1336218213
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Chevy Chase, MD


Quality Rating: 0 out of 100 score

NPI Status: Active since November 07, 2006

Contact Information

5530 WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 915
CHEVY CHASE, MD
ZIP 20815
Phone: (301) 215-4167
Fax: (301) 215-4185

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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. DEBBIE LITMAN M.D., an active Rheumatology specialist practicing in Chevy Chase, MD. Our medical registry currently tracks 13 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 517 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Alendronate Sodium, which accounts for 176 claims alone.


Alendronate Sodium

Generic Formulation: Alendronate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 176
30-Day Fills 487.8
Days Supply 14,622
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims33.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills77.1
Peer Average Days Supply2,293
Highly Elevated Utilization

This provider exhibits a high preference for this treatment path, registering a volume 433.3% higher than the standard regional baseline profile for MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $2,931.62 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.66

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.64

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.

Amitriptyline Hcl

Generic Formulation: Amitriptyline HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 33.0
Days Supply 990
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims22.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills40.9
Peer Average Days Supply1,217
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 50.0% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $252.91 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$22.99

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$21.36

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 mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.

Celecoxib

Generic Formulation: CelecoxibSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 52.0
Days Supply 1,560
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims28.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills48.4
Peer Average Days Supply1,419
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 35.7% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $639.90 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$35.55

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$52.76

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 38.0
Days Supply 1,140
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims19.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills31.8
Peer Average Days Supply858
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 26.3% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,966.18 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$140.44

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$126.58

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.

Forteo

Generic Formulation: TeriparatideSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 27
30-Day Fills 27.0
Days Supply 756
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims19.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills21.3
Peer Average Days Supply607
Elevated Utilization

This provider maintains an active emphasis on this therapeutic option, recording 42.1% more claims than the standard regional baseline profile for MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $125,275.68 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$4,639.84

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$4,621.69

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 polypeptide that consists of the 1-34 amino-acid fragment of human PARATHYROID HORMONE, the biologically active N-terminal region. The acetate form is given by intravenous infusion in the differential diagnosis of HYPOPARATHYROIDISM and PSEUDOHYPOPARATHYROIDISM. (Reynolds JEF(Ed): Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia (electronic version). Micromedex, Inc, Englewood, CO, 1995)

Therapeutic Applications

Teriparatide is used to treat bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have a high risk of getting fractures. It is similar to a natural hormone in your body (parathyroid hormone). It works by increasing bone mass and strength. This effect helps to decrease the risk of getting a fracture. This medication is not recommended for use in children or young adults whose bones are still growing.

Humira

Generic Formulation: AdalimumabSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 24
30-Day Fills 24.0
Days Supply 672
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims13.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills14.6
Peer Average Days Supply414
Highly Elevated Utilization

This provider exhibits a high preference for this treatment path, registering a volume 84.6% higher than the standard regional baseline profile for MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $179,226.60 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,467.78

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,160.50

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 humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF-ALPHA and blocks its interaction with endogenous TNF RECEPTORS to modulate INFLAMMATION. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; CROHN'S DISEASE and ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis). This medication is also used to treat certain skin disorders (such as plaque-type psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis as well as red scaly patches in psoriasis. Adalimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. By reducing joint swelling, this medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Adalimumab is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and a certain eye disease (uveitis).

Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic Formulation: HydrochlorothiazideSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 16
30-Day Fills 46.0
Days Supply 1,380
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims63.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills164.8
Peer Average Days Supply4,926
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 74.6% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $119.19 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7.45

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.15

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 thiazide diuretic often considered the prototypical member of this class. It reduces the reabsorption of electrolytes from the renal tubules. This results in increased excretion of water and electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium. It is used in the treatment of several disorders including edema, hypertension, diabetes insipidus, and hypoparathyroidism.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of drugs known as diuretics/water pills. It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath or swelling in your ankles or feet.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Generic Formulation: Hydroxychloroquine SulfateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 60
30-Day Fills 157.0
Days Supply 4,710
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims67.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills146.8
Peer Average Days Supply4,369
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $3,106.95 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$51.78

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$72.69

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.

Ibandronate Sodium

Generic Formulation: Ibandronate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 39.0
Days Supply 1,170
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims19.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills49.7
Peer Average Days Supply1,487
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 31.6% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,465.84 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$112.76

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$72.33

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

Aminobisphosphonate that is a potent inhibitor of BONE RESORPTION. It is used in the treatment of HYPERCALCEMIA associated with malignancy, for the prevention of fracture and bone complications in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases, and for the treatment and prevention of POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS.

Therapeutic Applications

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

Methotrexate

Generic Formulation: Methotrexate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 42
30-Day Fills 116.2
Days Supply 3,463
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims80.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills173.7
Peer Average Days Supply5,134
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 47.5% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,474.77 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$35.11

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$44.61

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 46
30-Day Fills 79.3
Days Supply 2,378
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims39.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills50.6
Peer Average Days Supply992
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $526.96 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.46

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$7.04

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.

Rasuvo

Generic Formulation: Methotrexate/PfSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 364
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims14.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills20.1
Peer Average Days Supply582
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $7,455.80 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$573.52

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$810.95

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

Methotrexate is used 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 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.

Risedronate Sodium

Generic Formulation: Risedronate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 57
30-Day Fills 164.5
Days Supply 4,936
MD State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims20.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills52.3
Peer Average Days Supply1,560
Highly Elevated Utilization

This provider exhibits a high preference for this treatment path, registering a volume 185.0% higher than the standard regional baseline profile for MD. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $6,794.28 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$119.20

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$157.71

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 pyridine and diphosphonic acid derivative that acts as a CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER and inhibits BONE RESORPTION.

Therapeutic Applications

Risedronate 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 to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of broken bones (fractures). Risedronate belongs to a class of medications called bisphosphonates.

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. DEBBIE LITMAN M.D. provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Chevy Chase, MD.

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.