Jerald Zakem, MD
Rheumatology Internal Medicine
Jerald Zakem is a Rheumatology Internal Medicine specialist based in New Orleans, LA with over 52 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.
Patients across LA can see Jerald Zakem, MD in person in New Orleans or via virtual visit — no travel required. Trained at University of Louisville School of Medicine (class of 1974), he has been practicing for over 52 years. Among his Medicare patients, common conditions include hypertension, arthritis, and high cholesterol (per CMS data).
Older · 3769dNPPES updated 2016-01-27 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
How Does This Doctor Compare?
Opioid Rx
↓ Lower = better13.19%
Louisiana avg: 5.1 · US avg: 5.1
⚠ Lower than most doctors nationally(+8.1 pts)
13.19% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.
Medicare Patients
151
Unique beneficiaries
Standard volumePrescription Recipients
475
Patients prescribed
Prescriptions Written
3,223
Total claims
Total Medicare drug cost: $1.28M
Percentile rankings compared against 231 reporting peers in Louisiana.
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, Arthritis, and High Cholesterol.
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
Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
US avg: 49.3%↑ More patients than average (+26%) — a focus area for this doctor
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk
US avg: 70.4%↑ More patients than average (+2%) — a focus area for this doctor
Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly known as coronary artery disease
US avg: 31.7%Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often linked to diabetes or hypertension
US avg: 29.6%↓ Fewer patients than average (-2%) — less common here
A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels
US avg: 34.5%↓ Fewer patients than average (-8%) — less common here
Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life
US avg: 34.1%↓ Fewer patients than average (-8%) — 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.
$183 received from industry
4 transactions reported in 2024 ·Low 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 2024, attributed to Jerald Zakem's NPI.
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Background & Specialty
Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.
Graduated medical school · 1974
University of Louisville School of Medicine
52 years in practice
Senior practitioner
Rheumatologists treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and vasculitis. They manage biologic therapies and joint-preserving treatments.
Taxonomy: 207RR0500X
Education & Training
University of Louisville School of Medicine (Class of 1974)
Virtual Internal Medicine Care With Jerald Zakem
NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.
Schedule a virtual visit with Jerald Zakem for blood pressure monitoring, arthritis follow-ups, cholesterol management — no travel to New Orleans 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 Jerald Zakem
Dr. Zakem is listed as active in the NPI registry with telehealth listed in New Orleans, LA. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (504) 842-4000.
Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Open Payments 2024 · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.
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Contact Jerald Zakem
Practice Location
1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121-2429
Mailing Address
1514 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70121-2429
This is a provider directory. Contact the office directly to schedule appointments.
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