I CHENG HO MD
Prescription History 1346292133
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Boston, MA

NPI Status: Active since May 17, 2006

Contact Information

75 FRANCIS STREET
BRIGHAM AND WOMENS HOSPITAL RHEUMATOLOGY IMMUN ALLERGY
BOSTON, MA
ZIP 02115
Phone: (617) 732-5500

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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 I CHENG HO MD, an active Rheumatology specialist practicing in Boston, MA. Our medical registry currently tracks 19 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 669 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Prednisone, which accounts for 126 claims alone.


Actemra

Generic Formulation: TocilizumabSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 364
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims21.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills23.0
Peer Average Days Supply645
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 38.1% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $68,870.23 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5,297.71

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$4,053.48

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 rheumatoid arthritis in adults and in children (such as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis-SJIA, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis-PJIA). It helps to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tocilizumab can also be used to treat giant cell arteritis. It helps to reduce swelling in your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Tocilizumab may also be used to treat a reaction (Cytokine Release Syndrome-CRS) caused by certain cancer treatments. Tocilizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) blockers. It works by blocking IL-6, a substance made by the body that causes swelling (inflammation). Tocilizumab is used in combination with a corticosteroid (such as dexamethasone) to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients who need supplemental oxygen (including patients on a mechanical ventilator). The FDA is allowing tocilizumab to be used to treat coronavirus disease in human studies and for emergency use. Tocilizumab is approved to be used in Canada to treat coronavirus disease. If tocilizumab is used to treat coronavirus disease, more information about the drug is available from the patient information sheet provided by your health care professional. If you are enrolled in a study, information should be provided by the doctor via the Informed Consent Form.

Alendronate Sodium

Generic Formulation: Alendronate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 15
30-Day Fills 31.8
Days Supply 942
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims40.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills90.8
Peer Average Days Supply2,685
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 62.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $190.46 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.70

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.60

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 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 45
30-Day Fills 129.5
Days Supply 3,886
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims44.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills105.3
Peer Average Days Supply3,110
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,242.20 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$27.60

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.91

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.

Atovaquone

Generic Formulation: AtovaquoneSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 390
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims26.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills28.5
Peer Average Days Supply789
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 50.0% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $4,297.94 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$330.61

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$865.42

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 hydroxynaphthoquinone that has antimicrobial activity and is being used in antimalarial protocols.

Therapeutic Applications

Atovaquone is used to prevent or treat a serious lung infection called Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This medication helps to stop infection symptoms such as fever, cough, tiredness, and shortness of breath.

Celecoxib

Generic Formulation: CelecoxibSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 33.0
Days Supply 990
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims32.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills49.3
Peer Average Days Supply1,429
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 65.6% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $471.43 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$42.86

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$50.34

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 18
30-Day Fills 34.0
Days Supply 1,020
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims21.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills33.9
Peer Average Days Supply902
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,425.42 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$79.19

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$131.71

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 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.

Cyclobenzaprine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Cyclobenzaprine HclSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 20.0
Days Supply 600
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims30.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills34.6
Peer Average Days Supply839
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 53.3% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $46.80 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$3.34

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$17.41

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.

Therapeutic Applications

Cyclobenzaprine is used short-term to treat muscle spasms. It is usually used along with rest and physical therapy. It works by helping to relax the muscles. This medication is not recommended for use in older adults because they may be at greater risk for side effects while using this drug. Ask the doctor or pharmacist for details.

Diclofenac Sodium

Generic Formulation: Diclofenac SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 19
30-Day Fills 20.0
Days Supply 445
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims39.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills44.1
Peer Average Days Supply1,011
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 51.3% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $600.03 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$31.58

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$29.69

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 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.

Enbrel Sureclick

Generic Formulation: EtanerceptSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 27
30-Day Fills 27.0
Days Supply 756
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims41.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills43.8
Peer Average Days Supply1,236
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 34.1% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $196,204.13 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,266.82

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,098.38

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 recombinant version of soluble human TNF receptor fused to an IgG FC fragment that binds specifically to TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR and inhibits its binding with endogenous TNF receptors. It prevents the inflammatory effect of TNF and is used to treat RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS and ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (such as methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, and ankylosing spondylitis). Some brands of this medication are also used to treat a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin. Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life. This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.

Folic Acid

Generic Formulation: Folic AcidSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 42.0
Days Supply 1,260
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims21.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills42.8
Peer Average Days Supply1,239
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 33.3% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $79.47 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.68

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.36

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.

Clinical Summary

A member of the vitamin B family that stimulates the hematopoietic system. It is present in the liver and kidney and is found in mushrooms, spinach, yeast, green leaves, and grasses (POACEAE). Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of folate deficiencies and megaloblastic anemia.

Therapeutic Applications

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is a B-vitamin naturally found in some foods. It is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells. Folic acid supplements may come in different forms (such as L-methylfolate, levomefolate, methyltetrahydrofolate). They are used to treat or prevent low folate levels. Low folate levels can lead to certain types of anemia. Conditions that can cause low folate levels include poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, among others. Women of childbearing age should receive adequate amounts of folic acid either through their diet or supplements to prevent infant spinal cord birth defects.

Gabapentin

Generic Formulation: GabapentinSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 25
30-Day Fills 57.0
Days Supply 1,710
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims79.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills111.6
Peer Average Days Supply3,206
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 68.4% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $510.63 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$20.43

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$20.16

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.

Humira(Cf) Pen

Generic Formulation: AdalimumabSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 34
30-Day Fills 34.0
Days Supply 952
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims35.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills36.6
Peer Average Days Supply1,025
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $257,094.48 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,561.60

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$8,419.95

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.

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).

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Generic Formulation: Hydroxychloroquine SulfateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 96
30-Day Fills 240.4
Days Supply 7,212
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims78.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills155.0
Peer Average Days Supply4,594
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $6,643.66 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$69.20

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$71.93

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 23
30-Day Fills 61.0
Days Supply 1,830
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims51.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills109.9
Peer Average Days Supply3,283
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 54.9% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $3,651.35 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$158.75

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$115.58

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

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).

Methotrexate

Generic Formulation: Methotrexate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 125
30-Day Fills 247.2
Days Supply 6,636
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims86.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills165.8
Peer Average Days Supply4,846
Elevated Utilization

This provider maintains an active emphasis on this therapeutic option, recording 45.3% more claims than the standard regional baseline profile for MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $5,580.42 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$44.64

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$46.93

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 126
30-Day Fills 184.3
Days Supply 5,446
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims44.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills55.1
Peer Average Days Supply1,107
Highly Elevated Utilization

This provider exhibits a high preference for this treatment path, registering a volume 186.4% higher than the standard regional baseline profile for MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,353.70 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.74

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.86

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

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.

Rinvoq

Generic Formulation: UpadacitinibSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 16
30-Day Fills 16.0
Days Supply 480
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims26.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills26.7
Peer Average Days Supply799
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 38.5% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $96,849.68 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$6,053.11

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6,078.58

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.

Therapeutic Applications

Upadacitinib is used to treat certain types of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis). It helps decrease pain, tenderness, and swelling in the joints. Upadacitinib is also used to treat a skin condition called atopic dermatitis. It reduces swelling, itching, and redness in the skin. This medication may also be used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

Xeljanz

Generic Formulation: Tofacitinib CitrateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 22
30-Day Fills 22.0
Days Supply 660
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims22.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills24.0
Peer Average Days Supply715
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $131,711.44 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5,986.88

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$5,592.49

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

Tofacitinib is used to treat certain types of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis-pcJIA). It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints. Tofacitinib is also used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

Xeljanz Xr

Generic Formulation: Tofacitinib CitrateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 390
MA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims29.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills30.3
Peer Average Days Supply906
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 55.2% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside MA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $70,257.58 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5,404.43

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$5,571.16

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

Tofacitinib is used to treat certain types of arthritis (such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis-pcJIA). It helps to decrease pain/tenderness/swelling in the joints. Tofacitinib is also used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach 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 I CHENG HO MD provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Boston, MA.

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.