MS. KARLA L BIRKHOLZ MD
Prescription History 1386620821
Family Medicine in Glendale, AZ

NPI Status: Active since December 16, 2005

Contact Information

6320 W UNION HILLS DR
B2300
GLENDALE, AZ
ZIP 85308
Phone: (623) 561-9913
Fax: (623) 561-6148

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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. KARLA L BIRKHOLZ MD, an active Family Medicine specialist practicing in Glendale, AZ. Our medical registry currently tracks 13 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 270 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Oxycodone Hcl, which accounts for 50 claims alone.


Clonidine

Generic Formulation: ClonidineSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 14.6
Days Supply 420
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims19.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills31.0
Peer Average Days Supply887
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 42.1% 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 $1,261.90 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$114.72

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$175.04

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

Clinical Summary

An imidazoline sympatholytic agent that stimulates ALPHA-2 ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS and central IMIDAZOLINE RECEPTORS. It is commonly used in the management of HYPERTENSION.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Clonidine belongs to a class of drugs (central alpha agonists) that act in the brain to lower blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Cyclobenzaprine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Cyclobenzaprine HclSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 20
30-Day Fills 20.0
Days Supply 530
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims33.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills40.7
Peer Average Days Supply1,061
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 39.4% 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 $130.14 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.51

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$14.49

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

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.

Estradiol

Generic Formulation: EstradiolSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 24
30-Day Fills 68.6
Days Supply 2,058
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims33.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills84.3
Peer Average Days Supply2,522
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 27.3% 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 $647.23 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$26.97

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$61.29

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

The 17-beta-isomer of estradiol, an aromatized C18 steroid with hydroxyl group at 3-beta- and 17-beta-position. Estradiol-17-beta is the most potent form of mammalian estrogenic steroids.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected. This medication may also be used by women who are not able to produce enough estrogen (for example, due to hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure). Certain estrogen products may also be used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). However, there are other medications (such as raloxifene, bisphosphonates including alendronate) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. These medications should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.

Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Generic Formulation: Hydrocodone/AcetaminophenSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 20
30-Day Fills 24.0
Days Supply 531
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims69.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills69.8
Peer Average Days Supply1,440
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 71.0% 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 $648.18 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$32.41

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$20.80

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.

Therapeutic Applications

This combination medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It contains an opioid pain reliever (hydrocodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). Hydrocodone works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen can also reduce a fever.

Hydroxyzine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Hydroxyzine HclSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 11.0
Days Supply 255
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims30.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills40.6
Peer Average Days Supply1,097
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 63.3% 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 $606.66 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$55.15

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$21.61

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

Therapeutic Applications

Hydroxyzine is used to treat itching caused by allergies. It is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine may also be used short-term to treat anxiety or to help you feel sleepy/relaxed before and after surgery.

Levothyroxine Sodium

Generic Formulation: Levothyroxine SodiumSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 39.0
Days Supply 1,170
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims150.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills384.1
Peer Average Days Supply11,408
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 91.3% 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 $185.47 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$14.27

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.89

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

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.

Therapeutic Applications

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.

Metformin Hcl Er

Generic Formulation: Metformin HclSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 15
30-Day Fills 43.0
Days Supply 1,290
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims43.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills112.9
Peer Average Days Supply3,376
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 65.1% 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 $175.40 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.69

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.77

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 biguanide hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus not responding to dietary modification. Metformin improves glycemic control by improving insulin sensitivity and decreasing intestinal absorption of glucose. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p289)

Therapeutic Applications

Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in patients with type 2 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. Metformin works by helping to restore your body's proper response to the insulin you naturally produce. It also decreases the amount of sugar that your liver makes and that your stomach/intestines absorb.

Oxycodone Hcl

Generic Formulation: Oxycodone HclSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 50
30-Day Fills 50.0
Days Supply 1,129
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims74.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills74.4
Peer Average Days Supply1,674
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 32.4% 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 $1,577.63 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$31.55

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$26.60

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 semisynthetic derivative of CODEINE.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Progesterone

Generic Formulation: Progesterone, MicronizedSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 25
30-Day Fills 69.6
Days Supply 2,090
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims27.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills65.0
Peer Average Days Supply1,940
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $3,264.17 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$130.57

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$69.97

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 infertility in women who do not make enough of a certain natural hormone called progesterone. This hormone is needed to maintain pregnancy. This medication is also used to restore menstrual cycles in women whose cycles have stopped. Progesterone is needed to keep menstrual periods regular.

Temazepam

Generic Formulation: TemazepamSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 12
30-Day Fills 12.0
Days Supply 360
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims24.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills29.5
Peer Average Days Supply870
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 $106.44 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$8.87

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$14.09

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 benzodiazepine that acts as a GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID modulator and anti-anxiety agent.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and lessen how often you wake up during the night, so you can get a better night's rest. Temazepam belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. Use of this medication is usually limited to short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. If your insomnia continues for a longer time, talk to your doctor to see if you need other treatment.

Tizanidine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Tizanidine HclSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 11.0
Days Supply 330
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims47.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills63.0
Peer Average Days Supply1,714
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 76.6% 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 $215.37 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$19.58

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.85

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 muscle spasms caused by certain conditions (such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury). It works by helping to relax the muscles.

Tramadol Hcl

Generic Formulation: Tramadol HclSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 43
30-Day Fills 43.0
Days Supply 1,067
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims48.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills49.6
Peer Average Days Supply1,019
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $532.21 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$12.38

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$8.49

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.

Clinical Summary

A narcotic analgesic proposed for severe pain. It may be habituating.

Therapeutic Applications

See also Warning section. This medication is used to help relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.

Zolpidem Tartrate

Generic Formulation: Zolpidem TartrateSpecialty: Family Practice
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 15
30-Day Fills 15.0
Days Supply 450
AZ State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims40.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills56.7
Peer Average Days Supply1,674
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 AZ. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $41.55 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$2.77

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.22

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 imidazopyridine derivative and short-acting GABA-A receptor agonist that is used for the treatment of INSOMNIA.

Therapeutic Applications

Zolpidem is used for a short time to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia) in adults. If you have trouble falling asleep, it helps you fall asleep faster, so you can get a better night's rest. Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.

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. KARLA L BIRKHOLZ MD provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Glendale, 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 **Family Medicine** 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.