DR. DAVID BIRKEN MD
Prescription History 1700801321
Internal Medicine in Santa Barbara, CA
What does Dr. Birken prescribe?
In 2024, Dr. Birken wrote 3,032 Medicare prescriptions for 61 medications. The most prescribed was Atorvastatin Calcium, with 341 prescriptions for 100 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. Birken prescribes.
Medications 61 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 California prescribers.
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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 341 prescriptions for Atorvastatin Calcium, about 1.7 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (202). Medicare paid $10.12 per fill, versus $10.47 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
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 297 prescriptions for Losartan Potassium, about 2.5 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (121). Medicare paid $10.68 per fill, versus $10.35 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 217 prescriptions for Amlodipine Besylate, about 1.5 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (141). Medicare paid $7.83 per fill, versus $7.08 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
Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 133 prescriptions for Olmesartan Medoxomil, about 2.8 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (48). Medicare paid $17.32 per fill, versus $18.88 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
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 130 prescriptions for Levothyroxine Sodium, about as often as the typical California prescriber of it (125). Medicare paid $11.39 per fill, versus $13.30 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
Rosuvastatin 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 118 prescriptions for Rosuvastatin Calcium, about 1.2 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (101). Medicare paid $13.69 per fill, versus $15.64 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
Gabapentin is used with other medications to prevent and control seizures.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 106 prescriptions for Gabapentin, about 1.3 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (80). Medicare paid $14.68 per fill, versus $15.63 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 103 prescriptions for Escitalopram Oxalate, about 2.1 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (48). Medicare paid $14.73 per fill, versus $11.14 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
This medication is used to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 91 prescriptions for Hydrochlorothiazide, about 1.5 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (62). Medicare paid $3.69 per fill, versus $5.71 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
Omeprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux, ulcers).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 73 prescriptions for Omeprazole, about as often as the typical California prescriber of it (78). Medicare paid $9.85 per fill, versus $11.26 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 a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 70 prescriptions for Metoprolol Succinate, about 81% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (86). Medicare paid $22.07 per fill, versus $14.23 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 70 prescriptions for Ozempic, about 1.2 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $910.73 per fill, versus $1,102.15 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
Zolpidem is used for a short time to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia) in adults.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 64 prescriptions for Zolpidem Tartrate, about 1.4 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (45). Medicare paid $6.74 per fill, versus $6.02 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 62 prescriptions for Metformin Hcl, about 62% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (100). Medicare paid $11.98 per fill, versus $9.26 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
Benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 60 prescriptions for Benazepril Hcl, about 1.7 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (35). Medicare paid $10.27 per fill, versus $11.17 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
Furosemide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 59 prescriptions for Furosemide, about as often as the typical California prescriber of it (64). Medicare paid $8.07 per fill, versus $6.39 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
Apixaban is used to prevent serious blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip/knee replacement surgery.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 50 prescriptions for Eliquis, about 69% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (73). Medicare paid $795.24 per fill, versus $923.33 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 49 prescriptions for Sertraline Hcl, about as often as the typical California prescriber of it (46). Medicare paid $9.02 per fill, versus $9.59 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
Tamsulosin is used by men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 49 prescriptions for Tamsulosin Hcl, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (84). Medicare paid $16.58 per fill, versus $15.02 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
Carvedilol is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 47 prescriptions for Carvedilol, about 83% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $12.33 per fill, versus $8.98 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 46 prescriptions for Pantoprazole Sodium, about 71% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (65). Medicare paid $15.06 per fill, versus $13.87 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
Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 45 prescriptions for Allopurinol, about as often as the typical California prescriber of it (44). Medicare paid $15.95 per fill, versus $10.39 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
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 45 prescriptions for Synthroid, about 1.2 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (38). Medicare paid $68.57 per fill, versus $74.43 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
Simvastatin 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 43 prescriptions for Simvastatin, about 68% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (63). Medicare paid $15.09 per fill, versus $9.03 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 a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), specifically a COX-2 inhibitor, which relieves pain and swelling (inflammation).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 34 prescriptions for Celecoxib, about 74% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (46). Medicare paid $51.23 per fill, versus $32.27 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
Valacyclovir is used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 32 prescriptions for Valacyclovir, about 1.4 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (22). Medicare paid $16.07 per fill, versus $35.75 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 combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir is used to treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in people who have mild to moderate symptoms and have a high risk for COVID-19 complications.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 31 prescriptions for Paxlovid, about 1.3 times as often as the typical California prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $182.44 per fill, versus $42.82 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
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 30 prescriptions for Valsartan, about 77% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (39). Medicare paid $30.78 per fill, versus $28.57 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
Ipratropium is used to treat a runny nose caused by the common cold or seasonal allergies.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 28 prescriptions for Ipratropium Bromide, about 80% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (35). Medicare paid $28.59 per fill, versus $31.19 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 drug is used to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 28 prescriptions for Losartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, about 72% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (39). Medicare paid $26.26 per fill, versus $13.09 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
Dapagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 27 prescriptions for Farxiga, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (52). Medicare paid $1,179.80 per fill, versus $914.82 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 26 prescriptions for Duloxetine Hcl, about 65% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (40). Medicare paid $23.32 per fill, versus $24.72 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 25 prescriptions for Lisinopril, about 26% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (98). Medicare paid $10.25 per fill, versus $8.30 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
Chlorthalidone is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 23 prescriptions for Chlorthalidone, about 88% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $11.09 per fill, versus $15.58 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
Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 19 prescriptions for Irbesartan, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (34). Medicare paid $23.31 per fill, versus $19.83 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
Fluticasone is used to relieve seasonal and year-round allergic and non-allergic nasal symptoms, such as stuffy/runny nose, itching, and sneezing.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 18 prescriptions for Fluticasone Propionate, about 36% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (50). Medicare paid $25.00 per fill, versus $15.10 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 a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 18 prescriptions for Potassium Chloride, about 38% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (48). Medicare paid $36.24 per fill, versus $24.00 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
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 17 prescriptions for Fluoxetine Hcl, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (33). Medicare paid $0.74 per fill, versus $11.85 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 16 prescriptions for Bupropion Xl, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (35). Medicare paid $22.64 per fill, versus $25.68 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
Montelukast is used to control and prevent symptoms caused by asthma (such as wheezing and shortness of breath).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 16 prescriptions for Montelukast Sodium, about 33% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (49). Medicare paid $10.36 per fill, versus $10.71 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 a combination of two antibiotics: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 16 prescriptions for Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim, about 63% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (25). Medicare paid $4.35 per fill, versus $4.62 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
This medication is used to relieve nasal symptoms such as runny/itching/stuffy nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drip caused by allergies or other conditions.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 15 prescriptions for Azelastine Hcl, about 32% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (47). Medicare paid $46.66 per fill, versus $22.82 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
Finasteride is used to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) in adult men.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 15 prescriptions for Finasteride, about 27% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $17.55 per fill, versus $13.71 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 pain caused by nerve damage due to diabetes, shingles (herpes zoster) infection, or spinal cord injury.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 15 prescriptions for Pregabalin, about 38% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (39). Medicare paid $9.63 per fill, versus $24.98 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
Albuterol (also known as salbutamol) is used to prevent and treat wheezing and shortness of breath caused by breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 14 prescriptions for Albuterol Sulfate Hfa, about 24% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (58). Medicare paid $17.38 per fill, versus $28.70 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 14 prescriptions for Famotidine, about 26% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (54). Medicare paid $17.73 per fill, versus $12.66 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 14 prescriptions for Metformin Hcl Er, about 26% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (55). Medicare paid $22.19 per fill, versus $9.99 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 an antibiotic used to treat bladder infections (acute cystitis).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 14 prescriptions for Nitrofurantoin Mono-Macro, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $8.86 per fill, versus $13.21 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 13 prescriptions for Amitriptyline Hcl, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (25). Medicare paid $8.56 per fill, versus $14.34 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
Azithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 13 prescriptions for Azithromycin, about 34% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (38). Medicare paid $4.01 per fill, versus $4.49 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 a wide variety of bacterial infections.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 13 prescriptions for Cephalexin, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (30). Medicare paid $6.67 per fill, versus $7.62 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
Enalapril is used to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 13 prescriptions for Enalapril Maleate, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (25). Medicare paid $18.23 per fill, versus $16.17 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 13 prescriptions for Trazodone Hcl, about 23% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (57). Medicare paid $5.06 per fill, versus $9.93 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
Dulaglutide is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 13 prescriptions for Trulicity, about 35% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (37). Medicare paid $1,552.88 per fill, versus $1,230.75 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
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 12 prescriptions for Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Potass, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (26). Medicare paid $9.72 per fill, versus $9.18 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
Diltiazem is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevent chest pain (angina).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 12 prescriptions for Diltiazem 24hr Er (Cd), about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (28). Medicare paid $57.69 per fill, versus $32.58 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 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 12 prescriptions for Fluticasone-Salmeterol, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $101.22 per fill, versus $155.85 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
Pravastatin 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 12 prescriptions for Pravastatin Sodium, about 32% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (38). Medicare paid $15.18 per fill, versus $13.25 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
Umeclidinium is used to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing, shortness of breath) caused by ongoing lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, which includes bronchitis and emphysema).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 11 prescriptions for Incruse Ellipta, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (22). Medicare paid $411.79 per fill, versus $410.31 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 California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 11 prescriptions for Mirtazapine, about 27% as often as the typical California prescriber of it (40). Medicare paid $13.19 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
Ramipril is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with California prescribers
Dr. Birken wrote 11 prescriptions for Ramipril, about half as often as the typical California prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $1.50 per fill, versus $10.33 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. Birken’s prescriptions
What does Dr. Birken prescribe most?
In 2024 Medicare Part D data, Dr. Birken's most prescribed medications were Atorvastatin Calcium (341), Losartan Potassium (297) and Amlodipine Besylate (217).
How does Dr. Birken's prescribing compare with other California prescribers?
Of the 61 medications with a state comparison, Dr. Birken prescribes 11 more often than the typical California prescriber, 13 about as often and 37 less often. Volume reflects practice size as well as prescribing habits.
Does this list show every medication Dr. Birken 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 California 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.
