Howard Axe, MD
Howard Axe, MD has practiced internal medicine for 37+ years, working in group practice. He graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in 1989 and has 37+ years of clinical experience. Among his Medicare patients, common conditions include hypertension, high cholesterol, and arthritis (per CMS data). CMS MIPS quality score: 94.1/100 (2023).
At a glance
- Prescribes opioids less than 48% of reporting doctors in Illinois
- Uses generic medications more than 63% of reporting doctors in Illinois
- Federal MIPS score higher than 46% of MIPS-scored doctors in Illinois
- Virtual visits available — no app or travel required
Older · 2801dNPPES updated 2018-09-04 · verify on CMS
How Does This Doctor Compare?
Based on Medicare data, this doctor has an average quality score compared to other doctors in Illinois, prescribes opioid pain medications conservatively, favors affordable generic drugs over brand-name ones.
MIPS Score
202394.1/100
Illinois avg: 88.6 · US avg: 83.6
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(+10.5 pts)
Average range among MIPS-scored doctors in IllinoisHow the government rates this doctor's Medicare care quality. Scores above 75 are considered good.
Opioid Rx
↓ Lower = better0.67%
Illinois avg: 4.5 · US avg: 5.1
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(-4.4 pts)
Typical range among reporting doctors in Illinois0.67% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.
Generic Rx
↑ Higher = better90%
Illinois avg: 82.9 · US avg: 82.8
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(+7.2 pts)
Typical range among reporting doctors in IllinoisHow often this doctor prescribes affordable generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name ones.
Medicare Patients
292
Unique beneficiaries
Standard volumePrescription Recipients
360
Patients prescribed
Prescriptions Written
3,753
Total claims
Total Medicare drug cost: $300k
Percentile rankings compared against 2,844 reporting peers in Illinois.
Data Note: Sourced from CMS Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data. Percentile rankings compare this provider against all peers with reported data in the same state. Updated annually to reflect the latest federal reporting cycle.
What This Doctor Treats Most
Based on Medicare claims data — here's what patients commonly see this doctor for
Based on Medicare data, this doctor primarily manages Hypertension, High Cholesterol, and Arthritis.
High blood pressure — a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke
US avg: 70.2%↑ More patients than average (+5%) — a focus area for this doctor
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk
US avg: 70.4%↑ More patients than average (+5%) — a focus area for this doctor
Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
US avg: 49.3%↓ Fewer patients than average (-8%) — less common here
A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels
US avg: 34.5%↓ Fewer patients than average (-3%) — less common here
Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often linked to diabetes or hypertension
US avg: 29.6%Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly known as coronary artery disease
US avg: 31.7%↓ Fewer patients than average (-3%) — less common here
Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life
US avg: 34.1%↓ Fewer patients than average (-7%) — less common here
Conditions affecting emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder
Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.
$606 received from industry
33 transactions reported in 2018 ·Moderate tier
Payments include consulting fees, speaking honoraria, food & beverage, travel, research support, and ownership interests from drug and medical device manufacturers. Disclosure is required by the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act. These payments do not necessarily indicate conflicts of interest. National median: $338 across 136 000 tracked providers.
Tiers — Low: under $500 · Moderate: $500-5 000 · High: $5 000-25 000 · Very High: $25 000+. Source: CMS Open Payments 2018, attributed to Howard Axe's NPI.
Social Vulnerability Index: 0.66 / 1.00
Moderate vulnerabilityHe practices in a community where the CDC measures social vulnerability across socioeconomic status, household composition, racial/ethnic minority status, and housing/transportation factors. A higher index indicates more residents may face barriers accessing care.
Source: CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index.
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Background & Specialty
Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.
Graduated medical school · 1989
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
37 years in practice
Senior practitioner
A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints and digestive, respiratory and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs.
Taxonomy: 207R00000X
Education & Training
Temple University School of Medicine (Class of 1989)
Mailing address
680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611-2987
Differs from practice location
Virtual Internal Medicine Care With Howard Axe
NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.
Schedule a virtual visit with Howard Axe for blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol management, arthritis follow-ups — no travel to Grayslake required. The office sends a secure video link before your appointment. Most visits take 15–30 minutes. Medicare enrolled per CMS records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Howard Axe
Dr. Axe is listed as active in the NPI registry with telehealth listed in Grayslake, IL. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (847) 535-6150.
Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS QPP 2023 · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Open Payments 2018 · CMS Physician Comparator · HRSA HPSA · CDC SVI. See Data Methodology.
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Contact Howard Axe
Practice Location
1475 E Belvidere Rd Ste 185, Grayslake, IL 60030
Mailing Address
680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611-2987
This is a provider directory. Contact the office directly to schedule appointments.
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