Karen S Heard Cushing, MD
Karen S Heard Cushing is an Internal Medicine specialist based in Portland, ME with over 38 years of clinical experience. Medicare-enrolled per CMS records and offers virtual telehealth visits.
Karen S Heard Cushing, MD has been part of the Portland medical community since 2013 in group practice. She graduated from University of Tennessee, Hsc, College of Medicine in 1988 and has 38+ years of clinical experience. Among her Medicare patients, common conditions include high cholesterol, hypertension, and arthritis (per CMS data).
At a glance
- Prescribes opioids less than 36% of reporting doctors in Maine
- Uses generic medications more than 58% of reporting doctors in Maine
- Virtual visits available — no app or travel required
Recent · 81dNPPES updated 2026-03-03 · verify NPI on CMS · Verify license at Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine
How Does This Doctor Compare?
Based on Medicare data, this doctor prescribes opioid pain medications conservatively, favors affordable generic drugs over brand-name ones.
Opioid Rx
↓ Lower = better2.64%
Maine avg: 5 · US avg: 5.1
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(-2.5 pts)
2.64% of this doctor's prescriptions are opioid pain medications. Lower means more cautious prescribing.
Generic Rx
↑ Higher = better88%
Maine avg: 82 · US avg: 82.8
✓ Higher than most doctors nationally(+5.2 pts)
Typical range among reporting doctors in MaineHow often this doctor prescribes affordable generic drugs instead of expensive brand-name ones.
Medicare Patients
231
Unique beneficiaries
Standard volumePrescription Recipients
481
Patients prescribed
Prescriptions Written
5,982
Total claims
Total Medicare drug cost: $591k
Percentile rankings compared against 387 reporting peers in Maine.
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 High Cholesterol, Hypertension, and Arthritis.
Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides that increase heart disease risk
US avg: 70.4%↑ More patients than average (+5%) — a focus area for this doctor
High blood pressure — a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke
US avg: 70.2%↓ Fewer patients than average (-4%) — less common here
Joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
US avg: 49.3%↑ More patients than average (+1%) — a focus area for this doctor
Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often linked to diabetes or hypertension
US avg: 29.6%↑ More patients than average (+3%) — a focus area for this doctor
Weakened bones that are more prone to fractures, common in older adults
US avg: 18.1%↑ More patients than average (+11%) — a focus area for this doctor
Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly known as coronary artery disease
US avg: 31.7%↓ Fewer patients than average (-8%) — less common here
Conditions affecting emotional state, including depression and bipolar disorder
An irregular, often rapid heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke
US avg: 22%↓ Fewer patients than average (-2%) — less common here
Percentage of this provider's Medicare patients diagnosed with each condition. Source: CMS Utilization Data.
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Background & Specialty
Education, training, and specialty classification from CMS NPPES and Medicare records.
Graduated medical school · 1988
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Board certified · Mar 2, 2026
Self-reported via NPPES
38 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
University of Tennessee, Hsc, College of Medicine (Class of 1988)
Mailing address
100 Gannett Dr Ste C, South Portland, ME 04106-5900
Differs from practice location
Virtual Internal Medicine Care With Karen S Heard Cushing
NPPES records indicate this provider offers telehealth services. Contact the office to confirm availability and scheduling.
Schedule a virtual visit with Karen S Heard Cushing for cholesterol management, blood pressure monitoring, arthritis follow-ups — no travel to Portland 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 Karen S Heard Cushing
Dr. Heard Cushing is listed as active in the NPI registry with telehealth listed in Portland, ME. NPI status alone doesn't confirm open availability — call the office to confirm. Phone: (207) 774-5816.
Sourced from CMS NPPES · OIG LEIE · CMS Medicare Part D · CMS Physician Comparator. See Data Methodology.
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Contact Karen S Heard Cushing
Practice Location
84 Marginal Way Ste 800, Portland, ME 04101-2475
Mailing Address
100 Gannett Dr Ste C, South Portland, ME 04106-5900
This is a provider directory. Contact the office directly to schedule appointments.
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