DR. HOWARD KENNEDY FOSTER MD
Prescription History 1679650899
Psychiatry & Neurology - Psychiatry in Pittsburgh, PA

NPI Status: Active since November 01, 2006

Contact Information

401 SHADY AVE C202
PITTSBURGH, PA
ZIP 15206
Phone: (412) 362-2777

Get Directions

Prescription History for Informed Healthcare Decisions

Explore the verified Medicare Part D prescription history, volume metrics, and calculated drug costs for DR. HOWARD KENNEDY FOSTER MD, an active Psychiatry specialist practicing in Pittsburgh, PA. Our medical registry currently tracks 8 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 223 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Clonazepam, which accounts for 54 claims alone.

Medication Index


Alprazolam

Generic Formulation: AlprazolamSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 32
30-Day Fills 38.0
Days Supply 1,140
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims67.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills74.1
Peer Average Days Supply2,031
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 52.2% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $168.07 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.25

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.93

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 triazolobenzodiazepine compound with antianxiety and sedative-hypnotic actions, that is efficacious in the treatment of PANIC DISORDERS, with or without AGORAPHOBIA, and in generalized ANXIETY DISORDERS. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p238)

Therapeutic Applications

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).

Clonazepam

Generic Formulation: ClonazepamSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 54
30-Day Fills 54.0
Days Supply 1,471
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims56.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills62.6
Peer Average Days Supply1,768
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $310.17 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.74

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$8.58

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.

Fluoxetine Hcl

Generic Formulation: Fluoxetine HclSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 45
30-Day Fills 85.0
Days Supply 2,550
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims42.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills75.0
Peer Average Days Supply2,181
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $448.53 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$9.97

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$14.42

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 first highly specific serotonin uptake inhibitor. It is used as an antidepressant and often has a more acceptable side-effects profile than traditional antidepressants.

Therapeutic Applications

This long-acting form of fluoxetine is used to treat depression in people who have been successfully treated with the form of fluoxetine that is taken daily. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin). Fluoxetine may decrease anxiety, improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living.

Mirtazapine

Generic Formulation: MirtazapineSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 18
30-Day Fills 18.0
Days Supply 540
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims54.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills72.9
Peer Average Days Supply1,975
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 66.7% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $128.65 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$7.15

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$20.50

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 piperazinoazepine tetracyclic compound that enhances the release of NOREPINEPHRINE and SEROTONIN through blockage of presynaptic ALPHA-2 ADRENERGIC RECEPTORS. It also blocks both 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 serotonin receptors and is a potent HISTAMINE H1 RECEPTOR antagonist. It is used for the treatment of depression, and may also be useful for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Therapeutic Applications

Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. It improves mood and feelings of well-being. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant that works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Olanzapine

Generic Formulation: OlanzapineSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 11.0
Days Supply 330
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims55.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills63.2
Peer Average Days Supply1,668
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 80.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $518.76 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$47.16

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$29.72

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 derivative that binds SEROTONIN RECEPTORS; MUSCARINIC RECEPTORS; HISTAMINE H1 RECEPTORS; ADRENERGIC ALPHA-1 RECEPTORS; and DOPAMINE RECEPTORS. It is an antipsychotic agent used in the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA; BIPOLAR DISORDER; and MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER; it may also reduce nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Therapeutic Applications

Olanzapine is used to treat certain mental/mood conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). It may also be used in combination with other medication to treat depression. This medication can help to 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. Olanzapine belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. Talk to the doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment (especially when used by teenagers). See also Precautions section.

Sertraline Hcl

Generic Formulation: Sertraline HclSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 11
30-Day Fills 11.0
Days Supply 330
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims79.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills137.0
Peer Average Days Supply3,898
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 86.1% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $60.37 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$5.49

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$10.96

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: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 16
30-Day Fills 25.0
Days Supply 750
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims64.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills100.3
Peer Average Days Supply2,870
Highly Conservative Utilization

This provider demonstrates a highly selective approach to this formula, recording 75.0% less volume than the regional standard for practitioners inside PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $438.22 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$27.39

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$11.62

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.

Venlafaxine Hcl Er

Generic Formulation: Venlafaxine HclSpecialty: Psychiatry & Neurology
Provider Metrics Summary
Total Claims 36
30-Day Fills 36.0
Days Supply 1,063
PA State Average Benchmarks
Peer Average Claims42.0
Peer Average 30-Day Fills74.6
Peer Average Days Supply2,168
Standard Average Utilization

This provider's prescribing patterns for this therapeutic formulation sit directly in line with standard baseline averages across PA. Gross expenditures recorded under Medicare program tracking definitions for this provider calculate to an estimated aggregate of $899.75 across this reporting matrix range.

Provider Avg Cost Per Claim

$24.99

State Avg Cost Per Claim

$26.38

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

Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may also decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) 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 DR. HOWARD KENNEDY FOSTER MD provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Pittsburgh, PA.

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 **Psychiatry** 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.