DR. MELISSA LEE DEFOE MD
Prescription History 1982043931
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Dallas, TX
Quality Rating: 74.59 out of 100 score
NPI Status: Active since June 21, 2013
Contact Information
9900 N CENTRAL EXPY STE 550
DALLAS, TX
ZIP 75231
Phone: (214) 648-5295
Fax: (214) 648-6990
Prescription History for Informed Healthcare Decisions
Explore the verified Medicare Part D prescription history, volume metrics, and calculated drug costs for DR. MELISSA LEE DEFOE MD, an active Rheumatology specialist practicing in Dallas, TX. Our medical registry currently tracks 7 unique pharmaceutical formulations prescribed by this provider, representing an estimated volume of 214 documented patient claims. Among these therapy options, the most frequently utilized medication is Prednisone, which accounts for 82 claims alone.
Medication Index
Allopurinol
Generic Formulation: AllopurinolSpecialty: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$12.46
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$16.13
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.
A XANTHINE OXIDASE inhibitor that decreases URIC ACID production. It also acts as an antimetabolite on some simpler organisms.
Allopurinol is used to treat gout and certain types of kidney stones. It is also used to prevent increased uric acid levels in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. These patients can have increased uric acid levels due to release of uric acid from the dying cancer cells. Allopurinol works by reducing the amount of uric acid made by the body. Increased uric acid levels can cause gout and kidney problems.
Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Generic Formulation: Hydroxychloroquine SulfateSpecialty: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$69.39
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$71.58
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.
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)
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.
Meloxicam
Generic Formulation: MeloxicamSpecialty: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$16.79
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$6.87
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.
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.
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: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$46.73
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$39.21
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.
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.
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.
Pantoprazole Sodium
Generic Formulation: Pantoprazole SodiumSpecialty: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$9.67
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$17.29
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.
2-pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazole proton pump inhibitor that is used in the treatment of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX and PEPTIC ULCER.
Pantoprazole is used to treat certain stomach and esophagus problems (such as acid reflux). It works by decreasing the amount of acid your stomach makes. This medication relieves symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and cough. It helps heal acid damage to the stomach and esophagus, helps prevent ulcers, and may help prevent cancer of the esophagus. Pantoprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Prednisone
Generic Formulation: PrednisoneSpecialty: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$13.29
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$5.74
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.
A synthetic anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid derived from CORTISONE. It is biologically inert and converted to PREDNISOLONE in the liver.
Prednisone is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, blood disorders, breathing problems, severe allergies, skin diseases, cancer, eye problems, and immune system disorders. Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system's response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.
Sulfasalazine
Generic Formulation: SulfasalazineSpecialty: RheumatologyProvider Avg Cost Per Claim
$21.64
State Avg Cost Per Claim
$28.03
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.
A drug that is used in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. Its activity is generally considered to lie in its metabolic breakdown product, 5-aminosalicylic acid (see MESALAMINE) released in the colon. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p907)
Sulfasalazine is used to treat a certain type of bowel disease called ulcerative colitis. This medication does not cure this condition, but it helps decrease symptoms such as fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. After an attack is treated, sulfasalazine is also used to increase the amount of time between attacks. This medication works by reducing irritation and swelling in the large intestines. In addition, delayed-release tablets of sulfasalazine are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Sulfasalazine helps to reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with sulfasalazine helps to reduce/prevent further joint damage so you can do more of your normal daily activities. This medication is used with other drugs, rest, and physical therapy in patients who have not responded to other medications (salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-NSAIDs).
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. MELISSA LEE DEFOE MD provides transparency into local medical care patterns within Dallas, TX.
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.