MS. KATHLEEN ANN SMERKO MS, PSY NP BC
Prescription History 1366453029
Nurse Practitioner - Psychiatric/Mental Health in Phoenix, AZ

NPI Status: Active since August 10, 2006

Contact Information

1110 E MISSOURI AVE
STE 640
PHOENIX, AZ
ZIP 85014
Phone: (602) 235-9505
Fax: (602) 235-9506

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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 MS. KATHLEEN ANN SMERKO MS, PSY NP BC, an active Psychiatric/Mental Health specialist practicing in Phoenix, AZ. Our medical registry currently tracks 12 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 250 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Bupropion Xl, which accounts for 44 claims alone.


Aripiprazole

Generic Formulation: AripiprazoleSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 22.0
Days Supply 660
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims50.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills66.4
Peer Average Days Supply1,890
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 64.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,895.42 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$105.30

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$98.59

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 piperazine and quinolone derivative that is used primarily as an antipsychotic agent. It is a partial agonist of SEROTONIN RECEPTOR, 5-HT1A and DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTORS, where it also functions as a post-synaptic antagonist, and an antagonist of SEROTONIN RECEPTOR, 5-HT2A. It is used for the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA and BIPOLAR DISORDER, and as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of depression.

Therapeutic Applications

Aripiprazole is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome, and irritability associated with autistic disorder). It may also be used in combination with other medication to treat depression. Aripiprazole is known as an antipsychotic drug (atypical type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your concentration. It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. Aripiprazole can treat severe mood swings and decrease how often mood swings occur.

Bupropion Xl

Generic Formulation: Bupropion HclSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 44
30-Day Fills 44.0
Days Supply 1,320
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims34.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills68.4
Peer Average Days Supply2,023
Elevated Utilization

This provider maintains an active emphasis on this therapeutic option, recording 29.4% more claims than the standard regional baseline profile for AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $655.93 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$14.91

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$37.12

Note on Expenses: These indicators represent gross infrastructure resource tracking paid directly to supply pharmacy networks by Medicare Part D configurations. These calculations do not track individual patient insurance tier copays or out-of-pocket shelf prices at retail checkout lanes.

Therapeutic Applications

Bupropion is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain.

Buspirone Hcl

Generic Formulation: Buspirone HclSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 20
30-Day Fills 28.0
Days Supply 840
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims37.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills58.4
Peer Average Days Supply1,694
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 45.9% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $415.33 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$20.77

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$22.71

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.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat anxiety. It may help you think more clearly, relax, worry less, and take part in everyday life. It may also help you to feel less jittery and irritable, and may control symptoms such as trouble sleeping, sweating, and pounding heartbeat. Buspirone is a medication for anxiety (anxiolytic) that works by affecting certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).

Citalopram Hbr

Generic Formulation: Citalopram HydrobromideSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 14
30-Day Fills 14.0
Days Supply 420
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims36.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills79.4
Peer Average Days Supply2,354
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 61.1% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $68.74 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$4.91

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.01

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 furancarbonitrile that is one of the SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS used as an antidepressant. The drug is also effective in reducing ethanol uptake in alcoholics and is used in depressed patients who also suffer from TARDIVE DYSKINESIA in preference to tricyclic antidepressants, which aggravate dyskinesia.

Therapeutic Applications

Citalopram is used to treat depression. It may improve your energy level and feelings of well-being. Citalopram is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.

Clonazepam

Generic Formulation: ClonazepamSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 22
30-Day Fills 22.0
Days Supply 635
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims41.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills46.9
Peer Average Days Supply1,320
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 46.3% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $221.81 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.08

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.53

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 anticonvulsant used for several types of seizures, including myotonic or atonic seizures, photosensitive epilepsy, and absence seizures, although tolerance may develop. It is seldom effective in generalized tonic-clonic or partial seizures. The mechanism of action appears to involve the enhancement of GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID receptor responses.

Therapeutic Applications

Clonazepam is used to prevent and control seizures. This medication is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. It is also used to treat panic attacks. Clonazepam works by calming your brain and nerves. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Duloxetine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Duloxetine HclSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 19
30-Day Fills 23.0
Days Supply 668
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims45.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills87.6
Peer Average Days Supply2,593
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 57.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $773.68 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$40.72

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$42.00

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 thiophene derivative and selective NEUROTRANSMITTER UPTAKE INHIBITOR for SEROTONIN and NORADRENALINE (SNRI). It is an ANTIDEPRESSIVE AGENT and ANXIOLYTIC, and is also used for the treatment of pain in patients with DIABETES MELLITUS and FIBROMYALGIA.

Therapeutic Applications

Duloxetine is used to treat depression and anxiety. In addition, duloxetine is used to help relieve nerve pain (peripheral neuropathy) in people with diabetes or ongoing pain due to medical conditions such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia (a condition that causes widespread pain). Duloxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and decrease nervousness. It can also decrease pain due to certain medical conditions. Duloxetine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

Gabapentin

Generic Formulation: GabapentinSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 20.0
Days Supply 600
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims84.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills145.0
Peer Average Days Supply4,266
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 78.6% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $379.03 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$21.06

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$23.55

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.

Methylphenidate Hcl

Generic Formulation: Methylphenidate HclSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 11.0
Days Supply 330
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims20.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills22.4
Peer Average Days Supply651
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 45.0% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $506.73 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$46.07

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$38.94

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 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.

Paliperidone Er

Generic Formulation: PaliperidoneSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 390
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims22.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills24.6
Peer Average Days Supply680
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 50.0% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $2,228.27 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$202.57

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$450.80

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 benzisoxazole derivative and active metabolite of RISPERIDONE that functions as a DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST and SEROTONIN 5-HT2 RECEPTOR ANTAGONIST. It is an ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENT used in the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder). This medication can decrease hallucinations and help you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less agitated, and take a more active part in everyday life. Paliperidone belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

Quetiapine Fumarate

Generic Formulation: Quetiapine FumarateSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 31
30-Day Fills 37.2
Days Supply 1,093
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims56.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills78.2
Peer Average Days Supply2,212
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 44.6% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $912.80 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$29.45

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$26.40

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 dibenzothiazepine and ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENT that targets the SEROTONIN 5-HT2 RECEPTOR; HISTAMINE H1 RECEPTOR, adrenergic alpha1 and alpha2 receptors, as well as the DOPAMINE D1 RECEPTOR and DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTOR. It is used in the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA; BIPOLAR DISORDER and DEPRESSIVE DISORDER.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder). Quetiapine is known as an anti-psychotic drug (atypical type). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. This medication can decrease hallucinations and improve your concentration. It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. It may also improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level. Quetiapine can help prevent severe mood swings or decrease how often mood swings occur.

Sertraline Hcl

Generic Formulation: Sertraline HclSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 23.0
Days Supply 690
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims51.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills103.5
Peer Average Days Supply3,050
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 78.4% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $576.14 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$52.38

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.99

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.

Therapeutic Applications

Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.

Trazodone Hcl

Generic Formulation: Trazodone HclSpecialty: Nurse Practitioner
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 31
30-Day Fills 35.0
Days Supply 1,034
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims66.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills122.4
Peer Average Days Supply3,587
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 53.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $261.59 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$8.44

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$14.75

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 depression. It may help to improve your mood, appetite, and energy level as well as decrease anxiety and insomnia related to depression. Trazodone works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural chemical (serotonin) in the brain.

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 MS. KATHLEEN ANN SMERKO MS, PSY NP BC provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Phoenix, AZ.

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 **Psychiatric/Mental Health** 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.