⚠️

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 →

Melissa Merhege

Pain Management · Albuquerque, NM 87102

NPI: 1003111873

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8

🟢 Low

🤖 ML Fraud Detection Score: 85%

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

Opioid + benzodiazepine co-prescriber

Risk indicators are statistical patterns, not allegations. Learn more

496

Total Claims

$12K

Drug Cost

203

Beneficiaries

$60

Cost/Patient

Risk Score Breakdown 8/100

Low (0)Moderate (15)Elevated (30)High (50+)
Opioid + benzodiazepine combo+8

Score components are additive. Read full methodology

Peer Comparison vs. 2,621 Pain Management providers

-49%

Opioid rate vs peers

21.0% vs 41.3% avg

-85%

Cost per patient vs peers

$60 vs $399 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 85% indicates prescribing patterns with significant similarity to confirmed fraud cases. 17 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

21.0%

Opioid Rate

104

Opioid Claims

$1,005

Opioid Cost

Long-Acting Rate

This provider's opioid prescribing rate of 21.0% is above the 20% threshold that CMS considers elevated.

Brand vs Generic

100% generic

Brand: 0 claims · $0

Generic: 489 claims · $6,301

Top Prescribed Drugs

Drug (Generic)ClaimsCost
Gabapentin114$1,521
Diclofenac Sodium33$602
Duloxetine Hcl35$574
Pregabalin25$509
Oxycodone Hcl36$443
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen29$265
Meloxicam33$175
Cyclobenzaprine Hcl16$162
Methocarbamol23$159
Methylprednisolone13$130
Baclofen13$102
Tramadol Hcl29$90
Diazepam33$34

Prescribing Profile

13

Unique Drugs

8.0

Anomaly Score

Patient Profile

67

Avg Age

70%

Female

1.38

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.Methodology · About