DR. MEHA DESAI MD
Prescription History 1437726502
Family Medicine in Iowa City, IA
What does Dr. Desai prescribe?
In 2024, Dr. Desai wrote 696 Medicare prescriptions for 35 medications. The most prescribed was Trazodone Hcl, with 51 prescriptions for 14 patients.
Medicare Part D only. These are prescriptions filled by people with Medicare drug coverage in 2024, from the CMS data released in 2026, the most recent year available. CMS does not publish medications with fewer than 11 prescriptions, so this is not a full list of what Dr. Desai prescribes.
Medications 35 medications
Prescriptions filled under Medicare Part D in 2024. Select a medication to see what it is used for and how it compares with other Iowa prescribers.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat depression.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 51 prescriptions for Trazodone Hcl, about 69% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (74). Medicare paid $8.10 per fill, versus $7.50 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 49 prescriptions for Duloxetine Hcl, about 76% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (64). Medicare paid $23.21 per fill, versus $21.71 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 48 prescriptions for Sertraline Hcl, about 62% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (77). Medicare paid $2.16 per fill, versus $7.92 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Famotidine is used to treat ulcers of the stomach and intestines and to prevent intestinal ulcers from coming back after they have healed.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 36 prescriptions for Famotidine, about 68% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (53). Medicare paid $19.81 per fill, versus $10.24 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat anxiety.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 31 prescriptions for Buspirone Hcl, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (52). Medicare paid $26.19 per fill, versus $13.15 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Clonazepam is used to prevent and control seizures.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 23 prescriptions for Clonazepam, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (50). Medicare paid $2.11 per fill, versus $7.87 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat depression.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 22 prescriptions for Bupropion Xl, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (50). Medicare paid $26.07 per fill, versus $21.62 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 22 prescriptions for Losartan Potassium, about 18% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (125). Medicare paid $14.87 per fill, versus $7.52 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 21 prescriptions for Metformin Hcl Er, about 34% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (62). Medicare paid $12.25 per fill, versus $7.53 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat depression.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 21 prescriptions for Mirtazapine, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (47). Medicare paid $12.14 per fill, versus $17.39 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 20 prescriptions for Lisinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (38). Medicare paid $2.88 per fill, versus $5.76 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Atorvastatin 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.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 19 prescriptions for Atorvastatin Calcium, about 8% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (225). Medicare paid $6.28 per fill, versus $8.00 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Glimepiride is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 18 prescriptions for Glimepiride, about 41% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (43). Medicare paid $14.00 per fill, versus $6.93 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 18 prescriptions for Metformin Hcl, about 21% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (86). Medicare paid $5.62 per fill, versus $6.37 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 18 prescriptions for Venlafaxine Hcl Er, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (42). Medicare paid $29.84 per fill, versus $17.76 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 17 prescriptions for Amlodipine Besylate, about 12% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (147). Medicare paid $14.70 per fill, versus $5.01 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 17 prescriptions for Omeprazole, about 13% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (128). Medicare paid $14.24 per fill, versus $10.20 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 17 prescriptions for Pantoprazole Sodium, about 19% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (89). Medicare paid $2.08 per fill, versus $11.13 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Atenolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 16 prescriptions for Atenolol, about 40% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (40). Medicare paid $1.00 per fill, versus $5.81 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Levalbuterol is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 16 prescriptions for Levalbuterol Tartrate Hfa, about 79% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (20). Medicare paid $68.92 per fill, versus $68.11 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Dulaglutide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 16 prescriptions for Trulicity, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (32). Medicare paid $1,031.16 per fill, versus $1,125.73 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Hydroxyzine is used to treat itching caused by allergies.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 15 prescriptions for Hydroxyzine Hcl, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (31). Medicare paid $15.13 per fill, versus $16.47 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 15 prescriptions for Risperidone, about 29% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (51). Medicare paid $5.19 per fill, versus $12.52 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 15 prescriptions for Spironolactone, about 27% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $11.65 per fill, versus $6.53 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Prazosin is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 14 prescriptions for Prazosin Hcl, about 36% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (39). Medicare paid $8.32 per fill, versus $15.14 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Dicyclomine is used to treat a certain type of intestinal problem called irritable bowel syndrome.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 13 prescriptions for Dicyclomine Hcl, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (22). Medicare paid $18.29 per fill, versus $15.96 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Oxybutynin is used to treat certain bladder and urinary conditions (such as overactive bladder).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 13 prescriptions for Oxybutynin Chloride, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (27). Medicare paid $5.23 per fill, versus $15.81 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Semaglutide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 13 prescriptions for Ozempic, about 22% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (59). Medicare paid $1,013.29 per fill, versus $1,158.57 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Esomeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 12 prescriptions for Esomeprazole Magnesium, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (21). Medicare paid $34.33 per fill, versus $40.38 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 12 prescriptions for Lisinopril, about 9% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (138). Medicare paid $6.21 per fill, versus $5.48 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
See also Warning section.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 12 prescriptions for Loperamide, about 62% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (19). Medicare paid $11.56 per fill, versus $19.05 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This combination hormone medication is used to prevent pregnancy.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 12 prescriptions for Norgestimate-Ethinyl Estradiol, about as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (13). Medicare paid $8.71 per fill, versus $13.75 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This product is used to control and prevent symptoms (wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma or ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema).
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 12 prescriptions for Symbicort, about half as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $251.24 per fill, versus $281.09 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
Alendronate is used to prevent and treat certain types of bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 11 prescriptions for Alendronate Sodium, about 20% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (54). Medicare paid $3.59 per fill, versus $6.58 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat anxiety.
Compared with Iowa prescribers
Dr. Desai wrote 11 prescriptions for Lorazepam, about 20% as often as the typical Iowa prescriber of it (54). Medicare paid $3.72 per fill, versus $6.35 statewide.
Volume reflects how many Medicare patients a practice sees as well as prescribing habits. It is not a measure of quality.
Questions about Dr. Desai’s prescriptions
What does Dr. Desai prescribe most?
In 2024 Medicare Part D data, Dr. Desai's most prescribed medications were Trazodone Hcl (51), Duloxetine Hcl (49) and Sertraline Hcl (48).
How does Dr. Desai's prescribing compare with other Iowa prescribers?
Of the 35 medications with a state comparison, Dr. Desai prescribes 3 about as often than the typical Iowa prescriber and 32 less often. Volume reflects practice size as well as prescribing habits.
Does this list show every medication Dr. Desai prescribes?
No. It covers prescriptions filled by people with Medicare Part D drug coverage in 2024, and CMS leaves out any medication with fewer than 11 prescriptions.
About this data
This page shows one provider’s slice of public Medicare files. NPI Profile does not receive prescriptions or patient records.
| Source | What it provides here | Data year |
|---|---|---|
| CMS Medicare Part D Prescribers by Provider and Drug | Each medication, prescriptions, patients, 30-day fills, days of medication and cost. State comparisons average the Iowa prescribers of the same medication and form, where at least five wrote it. | 2024 (released 2026, the most recent available) |
| CMS Medicare Part D Drug Spending Dashboard | What each medication is used for. | 2024 |
- Only prescriptions filled by people with Medicare Part D drug coverage are counted. Private insurance, Medicaid and cash purchases are not.
- CMS leaves out medications with fewer than 11 prescriptions and hides patient counts under 11.
- Cost per fill is what the plan and the patient paid the pharmacy together, not what you pay at the counter.
- Medication descriptions are summaries from CMS. They are not medical advice; ask a health care professional about any medication.
