DR. J. CHRIS HIGGINS MD
Prescription History 1679531925
Internal Medicine - Cardiovascular Disease in Vidalia, GA


Quality Rating: 83.95 out of 100 score

NPI Status: Active since May 03, 2006

Contact Information

101 HARRIS INDUSTRIAL BLVD
SUITE A
VIDALIA, GA
ZIP 30474
Phone: (912) 535-3500
Fax: (912) 535-3510

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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 DR. J. CHRIS HIGGINS MD, an active Cardiovascular Disease specialist practicing in Vidalia, GA. Our medical registry currently tracks 9 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 185 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Losartan Potassium, which accounts for 45 claims alone.


Atorvastatin Calcium

Generic Formulation: Atorvastatin CalciumSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 51.7
Days Supply 1,550
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims184.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills440.9
Peer Average Days Supply12,878
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 90.2% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $346.76 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$19.26

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.01

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 pyrrole and heptanoic acid derivative, HYDROXYMETHYLGLUTARYL-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITOR (statin), and ANTICHOLESTEREMIC AGENT that is used to reduce serum levels of LDL-CHOLESTEROL; APOLIPOPROTEIN B; and TRIGLYCERIDES. It is used to increase serum levels of HDL-CHOLESTEROL in the treatment of HYPERLIPIDEMIAS, and for the prevention of CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES in patients with multiple risk factors.

Therapeutic Applications

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. 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 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. Consult your doctor for more details.

Eliquis

Generic Formulation: ApixabanSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 19
30-Day Fills 21.0
Days Supply 607
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims94.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills142.9
Peer Average Days Supply3,875
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 79.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $11,244.48 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$591.81

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$765.36

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.

Therapeutic Applications

Apixaban is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip/knee replacement surgery. With atrial fibrillation, part of the heart does not beat the way it should. This can lead to blood clots forming, which can travel to other parts of your body (such as the lungs or legs) or increase your risk for stroke. In the United States, apixaban is also approved to treat certain types of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis-DVT, pulmonary embolus-PE) and to prevent them from forming again. Apixaban is an anticoagulant that works by blocking certain clotting proteins in your blood.

Furosemide

Generic Formulation: FurosemideSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 30
30-Day Fills 51.5
Days Supply 1,464
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims97.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills178.4
Peer Average Days Supply4,865
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 GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $156.94 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.23

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.35

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 benzoic-sulfonamide-furan. It is a diuretic with fast onset and short duration that is used for EDEMA and chronic RENAL INSUFFICIENCY.

Therapeutic Applications

Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This can lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling in your arms, legs, and abdomen. This drug is also used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Furosemide is a water pill (diuretic) that causes you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.

Isosorbide Mononitrate Er

Generic Formulation: Isosorbide MononitrateSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 21.0
Days Supply 630
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims52.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills110.6
Peer Average Days Supply3,166
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 78.8% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $234.49 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$21.32

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.87

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

Isosorbide mononitrate is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in patients with a certain heart condition (coronary artery disease). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as nitrates. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels so blood can flow more easily to the heart. This medication will not relieve chest pain once it occurs. Also, it is not intended to be taken just before physical activities (such as exercise or sexual intercourse) to prevent chest pain. Other medications may be prescribed by your doctor for these conditions. Consult your doctor for more details.

Losartan Potassium

Generic Formulation: Losartan PotassiumSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 45
30-Day Fills 79.0
Days Supply 2,370
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims116.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills278.1
Peer Average Days Supply8,169
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 61.2% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $437.32 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.72

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.48

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

An antagonist of ANGIOTENSIN TYPE 1 RECEPTOR with antihypertensive activity due to the reduced pressor effect of ANGIOTENSIN II.

Therapeutic Applications

Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of strokes in patients with high blood pressure and an enlarged heart. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Metolazone

Generic Formulation: MetolazoneSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 19.5
Days Supply 584
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims27.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills39.5
Peer Average Days Supply950
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 59.3% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $432.45 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$39.31

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$41.04

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

A quinazoline-sulfonamide derived DIURETIC that functions by inhibiting SODIUM CHLORIDE SYMPORTERS.

Therapeutic Applications

Metolazone is a water pill (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make, which causes your body to get rid of excess water. This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication also reduces swelling/fluid retention (edema) which can result from conditions such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease. This can help to improve symptoms such as trouble breathing.

Metoprolol Succinate

Generic Formulation: Metoprolol SuccinateSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 22
30-Day Fills 40.7
Days Supply 1,220
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims103.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills238.4
Peer Average Days Supply6,969
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 GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $335.18 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$15.24

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$16.68

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 selective adrenergic beta-1 blocking agent that is commonly used to treat ANGINA PECTORIS; HYPERTENSION; and CARDIAC ARRHYTHMIAS.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug works by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals in your body (such as epinephrine) that affect the heart and blood vessels. This lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and strain on the heart.

Potassium Chloride

Generic Formulation: Potassium ChlorideSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 19.0
Days Supply 522
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims89.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills157.9
Peer Average Days Supply4,234
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 87.6% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $276.74 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$25.16

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$23.46

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.

Clinical Summary

A white crystal or crystalline powder used in BUFFERS; FERTILIZERS; and EXPLOSIVES. It can be used to replenish ELECTROLYTES and restore WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE in treating HYPOKALEMIA.

Therapeutic Applications

This medication is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood. A normal level of potassium in the blood is important. Potassium helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. Most people get enough potassium by eating a well-balanced diet. Some conditions that can lower your body's potassium level include severe prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormone problems such as hyperaldosteronism, or treatment with water pills/diuretics.

Praluent Pen

Generic Formulation: AlirocumabSpecialty: Cardiology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 18.0
Days Supply 504
GA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims31.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills47.2
Peer Average Days Supply1,373
Conservative Utilization

This provider writes prescriptions for this formulation 41.9% less frequently than the standard regional baseline metric for practitioners inside GA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $8,867.91 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$492.66

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$784.31

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

Alirocumab is used by people who have blockage in the heart blood vessels to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain that require treatment in a hospital. It is also used by people who have an inherited condition that causes high levels of LDL. Treatment with alirocumab, a proper diet, and cholesterol-lowering drugs can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Alirocumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by improving how well your body gets rid of LDL cholesterol. 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. Consult your doctor for more details.

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. J. CHRIS HIGGINS MD provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Vidalia, GA.

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 **Cardiovascular Disease** 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.