⚠️

Risk scores are statistical indicators based on prescribing patterns compared to specialty peers. They are NOT allegations of fraud, misconduct, or improper care. Many legitimate medical reasons can explain outlier prescribing.

Read our methodology →

Ernie RifferMD

Internal Medicine · Phoenix, AZ 85020

NPI: 1134284268

Share:

21

🟡 Moderate

ML Fraud Detection Score: 91%

Machine learning model identifies prescribing patterns consistent with confirmed fraud cases. This is a statistical indicator, not an accusation.

Learn more →

Risk Flags

High antipsychotic prescribing (65+)Opioid + benzodiazepine co-prescriber

Risk indicators are statistical patterns, not allegations. Learn more

9,211

Total Claims

$991K

Drug Cost

792

Beneficiaries

$1,251

Cost/Patient

Risk Score Breakdown 21/100

Low (0)Moderate (15)Elevated (30)High (50+)
Elderly antipsychotic prescribing+10
Opioid + benzodiazepine combo+8

Score components are additive. Read full methodology

Peer Comparison vs. 110,156 Internal Medicine providers

-47%

Opioid rate vs peers

1.2% vs 2.2% avg

-11%

Cost per patient vs peers

$1,251 vs $1,411 avg

+21%

Brand preference vs peers

12.9% vs 10.6% avg

⚠️ Opioid + Benzodiazepine Co-Prescriber

This provider prescribes both opioids and benzodiazepines. The FDA has issued a Black Box Warning about the life-threatening risks of concurrent use.

🔎 Data Overview

🤖

ML fraud detection score of 91% indicates prescribing patterns with significant similarity to confirmed fraud cases. 18 out of 20 decision trees flagged this provider.

⚠️

This provider co-prescribes opioids and benzodiazepines — a combination carrying an FDA Black Box Warning due to increased risk of respiratory depression and death. While sometimes clinically necessary, this combination requires careful justification.

Insights generated from CMS data analysis. Statistical patterns are not accusations — always consider clinical context.

Opioid Prescribing

1.2%

Opioid Rate

110

Opioid Claims

$940

Opioid Cost

Long-Acting Rate

Brand vs Generic

87% generic

Brand: 1,177 claims · $794K

Generic: 7,970 claims · $192K

Top Prescribed Drugs

Drug (Generic)ClaimsCost
Insulin Glargine,hum.Rec.Anlog92$71K
Empagliflozin64$63K
Apixaban59$52K
Dapagliflozin Propanediol42$44K
Semaglutide27$42K
Mirabegron53$38K
Dulaglutide19$35K
Semaglutide22$28K
Emtricitabine/Tenofov Alafenam12$28K
Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate36$26K
Dolutegravir Sodium11$25K
Fluticasone/Umeclidin/Vilanter29$25K
Evolocumab12$18K
Liraglutide12$15K
Tiotropium Bromide24$14K

Prescribing Profile

146

Unique Drugs

$159K

IRA Negotiated Drugs

$120K

GLP-1 Drugs

21.0

Anomaly Score

Patient Profile

75

Avg Age

46%

Female

1.31

Avg Risk Score

Explore More

Data from CMS Medicare Part D Prescriber Public Use File, 2023. Risk scores are statistical indicators, not allegations of wrongdoing.Methodology · About · Dispute this data