DR. SAKO CHEN M.D.
Prescription History 1346350105
Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism in Burbank, CA
Medicare Part D Prescription History
Explore the verified Medicare Part D prescription history, volume metrics, and calculated drug costs for DR. SAKO CHEN M.D., an active Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism specialist practicing in Burbank, CA. Our medical registry currently tracks 16 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 1,051 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Levothyroxine Sodium, which accounts for 398 claims alone. Use the table below to sort by claims, cost, or utilization compared with the state average; select any medication for its full profile.
| Medication | Prescriptions (2023)Rx (2023) | Avg Cost per FillCost / Fill | Vs. Other CA PrescribersVs. CA Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levothyroxine Sodium | 398 | $22.17 | ▲ More than typical |
About Levothyroxine Sodium: Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Show more ▾ It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development. This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as thyroid cancer). This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels. The major hormone derived from the thyroid gland. Thyroxine is synthesized via the iodination of tyrosines (MONOIODOTYROSINE) and the coupling of iodotyrosines (DIIODOTYROSINE) in the THYROGLOBULIN. Thyroxine is released from thyroglobulin by proteolysis and secreted into the blood. Thyroxine is peripherally deiodinated to form TRIIODOTHYRONINE which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism. In 2023, this provider wrote 398 Medicare prescriptions for Levothyroxine Sodium, about 3.2 times the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (124). Medicare paid an average of $22.17 per fill, versus $19.74 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 1,260.3 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 37,830 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Methimazole | 247 | $16.46 | ▲ More than typical |
About Methimazole: Methimazole is used to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Show more ▾ It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone. A thioureylene antithyroid agent that inhibits the formation of thyroid hormones by interfering with the incorporation of iodine into tyrosyl residues of thyroglobulin. This is done by interfering with the oxidation of iodide ion and iodotyrosyl groups through inhibition of the peroxidase enzyme. In 2023, this provider wrote 247 Medicare prescriptions for Methimazole, about 6.3 times the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (39). Medicare paid an average of $16.46 per fill, versus $14.06 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 795.8 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 23,888 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Cinacalcet Hcl | 84 | $25.35▼ below CA avg | ▲ More than typical |
About Cinacalcet Hcl: Cinacalcet is used to treat increased amounts of a certain hormone (parathyroid) in people with long-term kidney disease who are on dialysis. Show more ▾ It is also used to treat increased amounts of calcium in people with an overactive parathyroid gland or in people with cancer of the parathyroid gland. Cinacalcet works by decreasing the amount of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus in your body. Having the right amount of these substances in your body helps to prevent bone disease. In 2023, this provider wrote 84 Medicare prescriptions for Cinacalcet Hcl, about 3.1 times the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (27). Medicare paid an average of $25.35 per fill, versus $648.50 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 105 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 3,150 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Hydrocortisone | 70 | $77.96 | ▲ More than typical |
About Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a man-made version of a natural substance (cortisol) made by the adrenal gland. Show more ▾ This drug is used to treat low cortisol levels caused by diseases of the adrenal gland (such as Addison's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency). Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are needed in many ways for the body to function well. They are important for salt and water balance and keeping blood pressure normal. The main glucocorticoid secreted by the ADRENAL CORTEX. Its synthetic counterpart is used, either as an injection or topically, in the treatment of inflammation, allergy, collagen diseases, asthma, adrenocortical deficiency, shock, and some neoplastic conditions. In 2023, this provider wrote 70 Medicare prescriptions for Hydrocortisone, about 2.6 times the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (27). Medicare paid an average of $77.96 per fill, versus $20.18 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication more often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 219.7 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 6,596 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Alendronate Sodium | 31 | $10.35▼ below CA avg | ▼ Less than typical |
About Alendronate Sodium: Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. Show more ▾ 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. 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. In 2023, this provider wrote 31 Medicare prescriptions for Alendronate Sodium, about half the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (58). Medicare paid an average of $10.35 per fill, versus $12.46 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 86 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 2,576 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Calcitriol | 31 | $57.62 | ▼ Less than typical |
About Calcitriol: Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. Show more ▾ Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to the sun and from fortified food products (such as dairy products, vitamins). Vitamin D helps control parathyroid hormone and the levels of certain minerals (such as calcium, phosphorus) that are needed for building and keeping strong bones. Before regular vitamin D can be used by the body, it needs to be changed to the active form by the liver and kidneys. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease who can't make enough of the active form of Vitamin D. This medication is also used to prevent and treat certain types of calcium/phosphorus/parathyroid problems that can happen with long-term kidney dialysis or hypoparathyroidism. Calcitriol is usually used along with specific diet recommendations and sometimes other medications. The physiologically active form of vitamin D. It is formed primarily in the kidney by enzymatic hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (CALCIFEDIOL). Its production is stimulated by low blood calcium levels and parathyroid hormone. Calcitriol increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in concert with parathyroid hormone increases bone resorption. In 2023, this provider wrote 31 Medicare prescriptions for Calcitriol, about 67% of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (46). Medicare paid an average of $57.62 per fill, versus $30.02 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 93.3 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 2,800 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Testosterone | 29 | $61.29▼ below CA avg | ≈ Typical |
About Testosterone: This medicated patch contains testosterone. Show more ▾ It is used for hormone replacement in men who are not able to produce enough testosterone (for example, due to hypogonadism). This medication is absorbed through the skin, enters your bloodstream, and helps your body reach normal testosterone levels. Testosterone helps the body to develop and maintain the male sexual characteristics (masculinity), such as a deep voice and body hair. It also helps to maintain muscle and prevent bone loss, and is necessary for natural sexual ability/desire. This drug should not be used by women. A potent androgenic steroid and major product secreted by the LEYDIG CELLS of the TESTIS. Its production is stimulated by LUTEINIZING HORMONE from the PITUITARY GLAND. In turn, testosterone exerts feedback control of the pituitary LH and FSH secretion. Depending on the tissues, testosterone can be further converted to DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE or ESTRADIOL. In 2023, this provider wrote 29 Medicare prescriptions for Testosterone, about 1.2 times the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (25). Medicare paid an average of $61.29 per fill, versus $232.73 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 59 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 1,770 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Nano 2nd Gen Pen NeedlePen Needle, Diabetic | 28 | $39.24▼ below CA avg | ≈ Typical |
In 2023, this provider wrote 28 Medicare prescriptions for Nano 2nd Gen Pen Needle, about the same volume as the typical California prescriber of this medication (29). Medicare paid an average of $39.24 per fill, versus $68.83 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 93.2 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 2,800 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| HumalogInsulin Lispro | 25 | $427.29▼ below CA avg | ≈ Typical |
About Humalog: Insulin lispro is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Show more ▾ Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Insulin lispro is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. Insulin lispro starts working faster and lasts for a shorter time than regular insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. This medication is usually used with a medium- or long-acting insulin product. Insulin lispro may also be used with other oral diabetes medications (such as sulfonylureas like glyburide or glipizide). Insulin that has been modified so that the B-chain contains a LYSINE at position 28 instead of a PROLINE and a PROLINE at position 29 instead of a LYSINE. It is used to manage BLOOD GLUCOSE levels in patients with TYPE 2 DIABETES. In 2023, this provider wrote 25 Medicare prescriptions for Humalog, about the same volume as the typical California prescriber of this medication (24). Medicare paid an average of $427.29 per fill, versus $666.36 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider's prescribing volume for this medication is in line with the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 60.9 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 1,793 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Rosuvastatin Calcium | 23 | $11.32▼ below CA avg | ▼ Less than typical |
About Rosuvastatin Calcium: Rosuvastatin 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. Show more ▾ 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 to 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. Talk with your doctor for more details. A HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA-REDUCTASE INHIBITOR, or statin, that reduces the plasma concentrations of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B, and TRIGLYCERIDES while increasing HDL-CHOLESTEROL levels in patients with HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA and those at risk for CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES. In 2023, this provider wrote 23 Medicare prescriptions for Rosuvastatin Calcium, about a quarter of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (86). Medicare paid an average of $11.32 per fill, versus $35.52 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 75.2 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 2,256 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Spironolactone | 23 | $22.05 | ▼ Less than typical |
About Spironolactone: Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Show more ▾ Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (such as heart failure, liver disease) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems. This medication is also used to treat conditions in which the body is making too much of a natural substance (aldosterone). Spironolactone is known as a water pill (potassium-sparing diuretic). A potassium sparing diuretic that acts by antagonism of aldosterone in the distal renal tubules. It is used mainly in the treatment of refractory edema in patients with congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, or hepatic cirrhosis. Its effects on the endocrine system are utilized in the treatments of hirsutism and acne but they can lead to adverse effects. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p827) In 2023, this provider wrote 23 Medicare prescriptions for Spironolactone, about 68% of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (34). Medicare paid an average of $22.05 per fill, versus $13.26 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 69 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 2,070 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Fludrocortisone Acetate | 14 | $54.65 | ▼ Less than typical |
About Fludrocortisone Acetate: Fludrocortisone is a man-made form of a natural substance (glucocorticoid) made by the body. Show more ▾ It is used along with other medications (such as hydrocortisone) to treat low glucocorticoid levels caused by disease of the adrenal gland (such as Addison's disease, adrenocortical insufficiency, salt-losing adrenogenital syndrome). Glucocorticoids are needed in many ways for the body to function well. They are important for salt and water balance and keeping blood pressure normal. They are also needed to break down carbohydrates in your diet. In 2023, this provider wrote 14 Medicare prescriptions for Fludrocortisone Acetate, about 70% of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (20). Medicare paid an average of $54.65 per fill, versus $26.74 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 46.6 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 1,400 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| JardianceEmpagliflozin | 13 | $653.88▼ below CA avg | ▼ Less than typical |
About Jardiance: Empagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Show more ▾ Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Empagliflozin is also used in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart disease to lower the risk of death from heart attack or stroke. Empagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sugar by your kidneys. Empagliflozin is also used to treat heart failure. It may help you live longer and lower your risk of going to the hospital for heart failure. Empagliflozin works by increasing the removal of sodium by your kidneys. In 2023, this provider wrote 13 Medicare prescriptions for Jardiance, about a third of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (45). Medicare paid an average of $653.88 per fill, versus $1,009.41 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 43.3 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 1,300 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Humalog Kwikpen U-100Insulin Lispro | 12 | $230.04▼ below CA avg | ▼ Less than typical |
About Humalog Kwikpen U-100: Insulin lispro is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Show more ▾ Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Insulin lispro is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. Insulin lispro starts working faster and lasts for a shorter time than regular insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. This medication is usually used with a medium- or long-acting insulin product. Insulin lispro may also be used with other oral diabetes medications (such as sulfonylureas like glyburide or glipizide). Insulin that has been modified so that the B-chain contains a LYSINE at position 28 instead of a PROLINE and a PROLINE at position 29 instead of a LYSINE. It is used to manage BLOOD GLUCOSE levels in patients with TYPE 2 DIABETES. In 2023, this provider wrote 12 Medicare prescriptions for Humalog Kwikpen U-100, about half the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (27). Medicare paid an average of $230.04 per fill, versus $774.99 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill This provider's average cost per fill is below the CA average for this medication. 25.4 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 762 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Lisinopril | 12 | $11.67 | ▼ Less than typical |
About Lisinopril: Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure. Show more ▾ 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. One of the ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACE inhibitors), orally active, that has been used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. In 2023, this provider wrote 12 Medicare prescriptions for Lisinopril, about 12% of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (100). Medicare paid an average of $11.67 per fill, versus $9.65 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 40 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 1,200 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
| Testosterone Cypionate | 11 | $78.24 | ▼ Less than typical |
About Testosterone Cypionate: This medication is used in men who do not make enough of a natural substance called testosterone. Show more ▾ In males, testosterone is responsible for many normal functions, including growth and development of the genitals, muscles, and bones. It also helps cause normal sexual development (puberty) in boys. Testosterone belongs to a class of drugs known as androgens. It works by affecting many body systems so that the body can develop and function normally. Testosterone may also be used in certain adolescent boys to cause puberty in those with delayed puberty. It may also be used to treat certain types of breast cancer in women. In 2023, this provider wrote 11 Medicare prescriptions for Testosterone Cypionate, about a third of the volume of the typical California prescriber of this medication (27). Medicare paid an average of $78.24 per fill, versus $50.43 statewide. How often this provider prescribes it This provider prescribes this medication less often than the average CA prescriber. Utilization reflects practice size as well as clinical preference. What Medicare paid per fill Gross Part D cost per fill; not the patient's out-of-pocket price. 29.8 30-Day Fills standardized to 30-day supplies 894 Days of Medication total across all patients in 2023 | |||
About this data. The prescription history for DR. SAKO CHEN M.D. is compiled from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use File for calendar year 2023, the most recent federal release. Figures cover prescriptions filled for Medicare Part D beneficiaries only; prescriptions under private insurance, Medicaid, or self-pay plans are not included. Because prescribing decisions are generally consistent across coverage types, this record offers a useful view of the overall Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism prescribing approach at this Burbank, CA practice.
Reading the costs. Drug costs are gross amounts paid to pharmacies under Part D, including both plan and beneficiary payments. They are not the price a patient pays at the pharmacy counter. Medications with fewer than 11 claims are excluded from the federal source data, and state comparisons use the average volume among CA prescribers of the same medication. Always confirm current medications and costs directly with the provider and your plan.
