In the latest attempt to examine financial ties between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry, a new study finds that payments to rheumatologists by drug makers are associated with an increased likelihood of prescribing and Medicare spending.
Between 2013 and 2015, more than 3,700 – or two-thirds – of all rheumatologists in the U.S. received some type of payment from a pharmaceutical company. Depending upon the drug, payments for food and beverages likely increased prescribing anywhere from 1.5% to 4.5%, while such payments boosted annual Medicare spending from 3% to 23%.
Consulting fees, meanwhile, were associated with an increased likelihood of prescribing from 1.2% to 1.6%, and were likely to increase Medicare spending by 1% to 2%, again depending upon the drug, according to the study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. In general, most of the payments were less than $100 and were not aimed at so-called key opinion leaders, or influential physicians.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.
Already have an account? Log in
About the Author Reprints
To submit a correction request, please visit our Contact Us page.
