⚠️

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 →

Melchor CardenasMD

Family Practice · Laredo, TX 78040

NPI: 1366423725

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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.

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Risk Flags

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

Risk indicators are statistical patterns, not allegations. Learn more

22,123

Total Claims

$2.4M

Drug Cost

1,647

Beneficiaries

$1,449

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. 106,889 Family Practice providers

-28%

Opioid rate vs peers

1.9% vs 2.6% avg

+36%

Cost per patient vs peers

$1,449 vs $1,068 avg

+17%

Brand preference vs peers

10.5% vs 9.0% 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

1.9%

Opioid Rate

413

Opioid Claims

$4,356

Opioid Cost

Long-Acting Rate

Brand vs Generic

90% generic

Brand: 2,286 claims · $1.9M

Generic: 19,518 claims · $465K

Top Prescribed Drugs

Drug (Generic)ClaimsCost
Sitagliptin Phosphate171$265K
Semaglutide99$150K
Dapagliflozin Propanediol95$145K
Empagliflozin91$140K
Linagliptin89$119K
Sitagliptin Phos/Metformin Hcl79$99K
Semaglutide28$74K
Insulin Degludec64$68K
Dulaglutide44$58K
Mirabegron57$57K
Insulin Glargine,hum.Rec.Anlog109$53K
Insulin Detemir60$50K
Apixaban42$48K
Linaclotide49$46K
Rivaroxaban25$42K

Prescribing Profile

189

Unique Drugs

$678K

IRA Negotiated Drugs

$301K

GLP-1 Drugs

21.0

Anomaly Score

Patient Profile

72

Avg Age

53%

Female

1.61

Avg Risk Score

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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