ERNEST BRAHN MD
Prescription History 1528092079
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Los Angeles, CA


Quality Rating: 86.1 out of 100 score

NPI Status: Active since July 10, 2006

Contact Information

200 MEDICAL PLAZA SUITE 365C
LOS ANGELES, CA
ZIP 90095
Phone: (310) 825-2448
Fax: (310) 206-3607

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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 ERNEST BRAHN MD, an active Rheumatology specialist practicing in Los Angeles, CA. Our medical registry currently tracks 8 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 222 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Meloxicam, which accounts for 83 claims alone.


Celecoxib

Generic Formulation: CelecoxibSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 25
30-Day Fills 31.0
Days Supply 930
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims43.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills63.3
Peer Average Days Supply1,852
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 41.9% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,752.02 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$70.08

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$60.11

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 pyrazole derivative and selective CYCLOOXYGENASE 2 INHIBITOR that is used to treat symptoms associated with RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; OSTEOARTHRITIS and JUVENILE ARTHRITIS, as well as the management of ACUTE PAIN.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation). It is used to treat arthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain and discomfort. The pain and swelling relief provided by this medication helps you perform more of your normal daily activities. If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section. This drug works by blocking the enzyme in your body that makes prostaglandins. Decreasing prostaglandins helps to reduce pain and swelling.

Diclofenac Sodium

Generic Formulation: Diclofenac SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 17
30-Day Fills 21.0
Days Supply 540
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims55.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills62.5
Peer Average Days Supply1,502
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 69.1% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,533.29 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$90.19

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$41.99

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.

Clinical Summary

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) with antipyretic and analgesic actions. It is primarily available as the sodium salt.

Therapeutic Applications

See also Warning section. This medication is used to relieve joint pain from arthritis. Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain.

Enbrel Sureclick

Generic Formulation: EtanerceptSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 19
30-Day Fills 19.0
Days Supply 532
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims42.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills44.7
Peer Average Days Supply1,262
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 54.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $145,421.93 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,653.79

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6,763.75

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.

Clinical Summary

A recombinant version of soluble human TNF receptor fused to an IgG FC fragment that binds specifically to TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR and inhibits its binding with endogenous TNF receptors. It prevents the inflammatory effect of TNF and is used to treat RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS and ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (such as methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, and ankylosing spondylitis). Some brands of this medication are also used to treat a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin. Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life. This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.

Humira Pen

Generic Formulation: AdalimumabSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 13
30-Day Fills 13.0
Days Supply 364
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims23.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills24.8
Peer Average Days Supply699
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 43.5% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $100,439.82 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7,726.14

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6,736.48

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 humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF-ALPHA and blocks its interaction with endogenous TNF RECEPTORS to modulate INFLAMMATION. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS; CROHN'S DISEASE and ULCERATIVE COLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis). This medication is also used to treat certain skin disorders (such as plaque-type psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis as well as red scaly patches in psoriasis. Adalimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. By reducing joint swelling, this medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function. Adalimumab is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and a certain eye disease (uveitis).

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Generic Formulation: Hydroxychloroquine SulfateSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 31.0
Days Supply 928
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims88.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills180.2
Peer Average Days Supply5,332
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 87.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $558.65 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$50.79

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$68.60

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 chemotherapeutic agent that acts against erythrocytic forms of malarial parasites. Hydroxychloroquine appears to concentrate in food vacuoles of affected protozoa. It inhibits plasmodial heme polymerase. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p970)

Therapeutic Applications

Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs. This medication is also used to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for coronavirus infection, also known as COVID-19, unless you are enrolled in a study. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Leucovorin Calcium

Generic Formulation: Leucovorin CalciumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 21
30-Day Fills 39.0
Days Supply 1,170
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims40.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills83.5
Peer Average Days Supply2,446
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 47.5% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,529.72 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$72.84

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$44.88

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 or prevent serious blood cell disorders (such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia) caused by certain drugs (folic acid antagonists such as methotrexate, trimethoprim, pyrimethamine). It may also be used with a certain cancer drug (5-fluorouracil) to treat patients with colon cancer. Leucovorin may also be used to treat a certain type of anemia (due to folic acid deficiency) when folic acid cannot be taken by mouth.

Meloxicam

Generic Formulation: MeloxicamSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 83
30-Day Fills 213.3
Days Supply 6,375
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims48.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills70.0
Peer Average Days Supply2,024
Highly Elevated Utilization

This provider exhibits a high preference for this treatment path, registering a volume 72.9% higher than the standard regional baseline profile for CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $837.85 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.09

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$6.44

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 benzothiazine and thiazole derivative that acts as a NSAID and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor. It is used in the treatment of RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS; OSTEOARTHRITIS; and ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS.

Therapeutic Applications

Meloxicam is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Meloxicam is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation. This effect helps to decrease swelling or pain.

Methotrexate

Generic Formulation: Methotrexate SodiumSpecialty: Rheumatology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 33
30-Day Fills 76.8
Days Supply 2,280
CA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims93.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills185.8
Peer Average Days Supply5,474
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 64.5% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside CA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $1,311.54 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$39.74

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$40.82

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 antineoplastic antimetabolite with immunosuppressant properties. It is an inhibitor of TETRAHYDROFOLATE DEHYDROGENASE and prevents the formation of tetrahydrofolate, necessary for synthesis of thymidylate, an essential component of DNA.

Therapeutic Applications

Methotrexate is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) or to control severe psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis that has not responded to other treatments. It may also be used to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate belongs to a class of drugs known as antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells and suppressing the immune system. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as methotrexate helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.

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 ERNEST BRAHN MD provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Los Angeles, 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 **Rheumatology** 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.