DR. SAKO CHEN M.D.
Prescription History 1346350105
Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism in Burbank, CA
NPI Status: Active since August 30, 2006
Prescription History for Informed Healthcare Decisions
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.
Medication Index
Alendronate Sodium
Generic Formulation: Alendronate SodiumSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$10.35
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$12.46
Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.
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.
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.
Calcitriol
Generic Formulation: CalcitriolSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$57.62
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$30.02
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.
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.
Calcitriol is a man-made active form of vitamin D. 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.
Cinacalcet Hcl
Generic Formulation: Cinacalcet HclSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$25.35
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$648.50
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.
Cinacalcet is used to treat increased amounts of a certain hormone (parathyroid) in people with long-term kidney disease who are on dialysis. 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.
Fludrocortisone Acetate
Generic Formulation: Fludrocortisone AcetateSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$54.65
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$26.74
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.
Fludrocortisone is a man-made form of a natural substance (glucocorticoid) made by the body. 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.
Humalog
Generic Formulation: Insulin LisproSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$427.29
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$666.36
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.
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.
Insulin lispro is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. 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).
Humalog Kwikpen U-100
Generic Formulation: Insulin LisproSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$230.04
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$774.99
Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.
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.
Insulin lispro is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. 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).
Hydrocortisone
Generic Formulation: HydrocortisoneSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$77.96
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$20.18
Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.
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.
Hydrocortisone is a man-made version of a natural substance (cortisol) made by the adrenal gland. 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.
Jardiance
Generic Formulation: EmpagliflozinSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$653.88
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$1,009.41
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.
Empagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. 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.
Levothyroxine Sodium
Generic Formulation: Levothyroxine SodiumSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$22.17
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$19.74
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.
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.
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). 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.
Lisinopril
Generic Formulation: LisinoprilSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$11.67
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$9.65
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.
One of the ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS (ACE inhibitors), orally active, that has been used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.
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.
Methimazole
Generic Formulation: MethimazoleSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$16.46
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$14.06
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.
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.
Methimazole is used to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone.
Nano 2nd Gen Pen Needle
Generic Formulation: Pen Needle, DiabeticSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$39.24
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$68.83
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.
Rosuvastatin Calcium
Generic Formulation: Rosuvastatin CalciumSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$11.32
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$35.52
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.
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.
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. 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.
Spironolactone
Generic Formulation: SpironolactoneSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$22.05
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$13.26
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.
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)
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. 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).
Testosterone
Generic Formulation: TestosteroneSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$61.29
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$232.73
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.
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.
This medicated patch contains testosterone. 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.
Testosterone Cypionate
Generic Formulation: Testosterone CypionateSpecialty: EndocrinologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$78.24
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$50.43
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.
This medication is used in men who do not make enough of a natural substance called testosterone. 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.
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. SAKO CHEN M.D. provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Burbank, CA.
Key Learning Objectives for this Profile:
- Prescribing Frequencies: Track and evaluate the volume metrics of specific brand-name and generic medical formulas chosen by this provider over time.
- Clinical Focus Areas: Identify how the provider distributes therapeutic selections across medical care options to gain insight into their true day-to-day **Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism** 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.