ANTHONY JAMES ESTERWOOD MD
Prescription History 1851350821
Family Medicine in Asheville, NC
What does Dr. Esterwood prescribe?
In 2024, Dr. Esterwood wrote 1,286 Medicare prescriptions for 50 medications. The most prescribed was Escitalopram Oxalate, with 80 prescriptions.
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. Esterwood prescribes.
Medications 50 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 North Carolina prescribers.
What it is used for
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 80 prescriptions for Escitalopram Oxalate, about 1.5 times as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (55). Medicare paid $14.68 per fill, versus $10.58 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
Amlodipine is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 68 prescriptions for Amlodipine Besylate, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (150). Medicare paid $10.68 per fill, versus $5.92 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
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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 66 prescriptions for Atorvastatin Calcium, about 37% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (179). Medicare paid $14.73 per fill, versus $9.41 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 56 prescriptions for Trazodone Hcl, about 75% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (75). Medicare paid $9.45 per fill, versus $8.65 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 53 prescriptions for Eliquis, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (92). Medicare paid $478.47 per fill, versus $835.47 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 a beta-blocker used to treat chest pain (angina), heart failure, and high blood pressure.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 53 prescriptions for Metoprolol Succinate, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (108). Medicare paid $17.38 per fill, versus $12.24 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
Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 49 prescriptions for Levothyroxine Sodium, about 34% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (146). Medicare paid $13.36 per fill, versus $9.86 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 44 prescriptions for Montelukast Sodium, about 70% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (63). Medicare paid $21.78 per fill, versus $9.52 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
This medication is used to treat depression.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 41 prescriptions for Citalopram Hbr, about as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (40). Medicare paid $11.13 per fill, versus $6.60 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 41 prescriptions for Pantoprazole Sodium, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (83). Medicare paid $13.66 per fill, versus $11.79 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
Donepezil is used to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 38 prescriptions for Donepezil Hcl, about 68% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $15.85 per fill, versus $12.43 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
Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 35 prescriptions for Losartan Potassium, about 32% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (108). Medicare paid $16.12 per fill, versus $9.16 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
Clopidogrel is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack), recent stroke, or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 32 prescriptions for Clopidogrel, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (57). Medicare paid $11.77 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.
What it is used for
Memantine is used to treat moderate to severe confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 32 prescriptions for Memantine Hcl, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $36.61 per fill, versus $28.36 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
Bumetanide is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 29 prescriptions for Bumetanide, about as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (30). Medicare paid $51.15 per fill, versus $29.66 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
This medication is a mineral supplement used to treat or prevent low amounts of potassium in the blood.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 27 prescriptions for Potassium Chloride, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (64). Medicare paid $16.74 per fill, versus $17.71 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
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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 25 prescriptions for Famotidine, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (55). Medicare paid $13.69 per fill, versus $14.12 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 25 prescriptions for Venlafaxine Hcl Er, about 77% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (33). Medicare paid $10.35 per fill, versus $20.88 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
Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to prevent and control seizures (epilepsy).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 24 prescriptions for Topiramate, about 71% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (34). Medicare paid $10.62 per fill, versus $10.16 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 23 prescriptions for Alendronate Sodium, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (43). Medicare paid $8.49 per fill, versus $8.27 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
Lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 23 prescriptions for Lisinopril, about 21% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (110). Medicare paid $4.05 per fill, versus $6.57 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
Metoprolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 22 prescriptions for Metoprolol Tartrate, about 35% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (63). Medicare paid $8.73 per fill, versus $6.24 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 depression.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 22 prescriptions for Mirtazapine, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (46). Medicare paid $22.74 per fill, versus $19.60 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 22 prescriptions for Spironolactone, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (49). Medicare paid $9.01 per fill, versus $7.79 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
Insulin aspart is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 20 prescriptions for Insulin Aspart Flexpen, about as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (20). Medicare paid $47.20 per fill, versus $116.43 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
Atenolol is used with or without other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 19 prescriptions for Atenolol, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (35). Medicare paid $14.91 per fill, versus $6.75 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 medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 18 prescriptions for Quetiapine Fumarate, about 36% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (49). Medicare paid $26.37 per fill, versus $16.58 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 treat certain types of heart failure.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 17 prescriptions for Entresto, about 30% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $523.92 per fill, versus $967.10 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
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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 17 prescriptions for Fluticasone Propionate, about 30% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (57). Medicare paid $24.16 per fill, versus $15.33 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 17 prescriptions for Sertraline Hcl, about 26% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (67). Medicare paid $13.77 per fill, versus $9.21 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 high blood pressure.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 16 prescriptions for Lisinopril-Hydrochlorothiazide, about 38% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (42). Medicare paid $14.59 per fill, versus $7.65 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 15 prescriptions for Omeprazole, about 14% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (107). Medicare paid $13.26 per fill, versus $13.28 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
Empagliflozin is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 14 prescriptions for Jardiance, about 25% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $647.63 per fill, versus $973.00 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
Insulin glargine is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 14 prescriptions for Toujeo Solostar, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $173.12 per fill, versus $673.33 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
Rivaroxaban is used to prevent blood clots from forming due to a certain irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or after hip or knee replacement surgery.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 14 prescriptions for Xarelto, about 33% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (43). Medicare paid $552.28 per fill, versus $898.41 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Allopurinol, about 23% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (52). Medicare paid $21.56 per fill, versus $8.90 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Carvedilol, about 19% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (63). Medicare paid $16.61 per fill, versus $7.93 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
This medication is used along with a proper diet and exercise to lower cholesterol in people with high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Colesevelam Hcl, about 66% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (18). Medicare paid $91.40 per fill, versus $131.85 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
Desmopressin is used to control the amount of urine your kidneys make.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Desmopressin Acetate, about 62% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (19). Medicare paid $42.28 per fill, versus $73.96 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
This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Duloxetine Hcl, about 22% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (55). Medicare paid $64.99 per fill, versus $21.02 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
Levetiracetam is used to treat seizures (epilepsy).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Levetiracetam, about 24% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (50). Medicare paid $20.24 per fill, versus $29.22 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
Meloxicam is used to treat arthritis.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Meloxicam, about 21% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (58). Medicare paid $15.94 per fill, versus $4.21 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
Pioglitazone is a diabetes drug (thiazolidinedione-type, also called "glitazones") used along with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Pioglitazone Hcl, about 32% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (38). Medicare paid $16.21 per fill, versus $12.36 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, sudden episodes of mania or depression associated with bipolar disorder).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Quetiapine Fumarate Er, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (24). Medicare paid $16.21 per fill, versus $48.63 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 and prevent ulcers in the intestines.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 12 prescriptions for Sucralfate, about half as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (28). Medicare paid $24.58 per fill, versus $55.54 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 seizure disorders, certain psychiatric conditions (manic phase of bipolar disorder), and to prevent migraine headaches.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 11 prescriptions for Divalproex Sodium, about 20% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (56). Medicare paid $27.43 per fill, versus $40.59 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
This product contains two drugs used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye diseases (such as ocular hypertension).
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 11 prescriptions for Dorzolamide-Timolol, about 11% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (99). Medicare paid $62.07 per fill, versus $16.85 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
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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 11 prescriptions for Furosemide, about 13% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (83). Medicare paid $6.46 per fill, versus $4.73 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
Metformin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar.
Compared with North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 11 prescriptions for Metformin Hcl Er, about 17% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (63). Medicare paid $15.71 per fill, versus $8.42 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 North Carolina prescribers
Dr. Esterwood wrote 11 prescriptions for Risperidone, about 25% as often as the typical North Carolina prescriber of it (44). Medicare paid $16.34 per fill, versus $15.57 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. Esterwood’s prescriptions
What does Dr. Esterwood prescribe most?
In 2024 Medicare Part D data, Dr. Esterwood's most prescribed medications were Escitalopram Oxalate (80), Amlodipine Besylate (68) and Atorvastatin Calcium (66).
How does Dr. Esterwood's prescribing compare with other North Carolina prescribers?
Of the 50 medications with a state comparison, Dr. Esterwood prescribes 1 more often than the typical North Carolina prescriber, 4 about as often and 45 less often. Volume reflects practice size as well as prescribing habits.
Does this list show every medication Dr. Esterwood 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 North Carolina 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.
