$14,090.29 consulting Payment -- Johnson & Johnson to Dr. Andrew Young

Payment Details

AI-Powered Analysis of This Payment

The following analysis was generated by artificial intelligence to help patients understand the context, significance, and implications of this pharmaceutical payment. This analysis is not medical or legal advice.

This report analyzes a payment of $14,090.29 made by Johnson & Johnson to Dr. Andrew Young, a General Surgeon in City, CO, on June 1, 2024. The payment was for consulting services related to Skyrizi, a drug manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. Consulting fees are common in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing companies to leverage physician expertise for product development, market insights, and educational initiatives. The amount, while substantial, is not necessarily out of the ordinary for specialized consulting work, especially if it involved significant time commitment or expertise. However, any payment from a drug manufacturer to a physician can raise questions about potential conflicts of interest. The core concern is whether such payments might influence a doctor's prescribing decisions, potentially favoring the paying company's products over others, regardless of patient benefit or cost-effectiveness. It's important to note that the Sunshine Act requires reporting of these payments, promoting transparency. While this payment is reported, it doesn't automatically indicate bias. Many physicians engage in these relationships to stay informed about new treatments and contribute to medical advancement. For patients, understanding these relationships is key to informed decision-making. Dr. Young's specialty is General Surgery, and Skyrizi is a biologic medication often used for conditions like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriasis, which can sometimes be managed or treated by surgeons, particularly those focusing on gastrointestinal or dermatological aspects. Comparing this payment to industry averages is complex, as consulting fees vary widely based on the physician's expertise, the company's needs, and the scope of the consulting work. However, the Sunshine Act data allows for such comparisons, revealing that a significant portion of physicians receive payments, with amounts varying greatly. Patients should view this information as a tool for open dialogue with their doctor, rather than an immediate cause for alarm.

Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You

It's understandable to feel curious or concerned when you see payments between pharmaceutical companies and your doctor. This payment of $14,090.29 to Dr. Andrew Young from Johnson & Johnson for consulting on Skyrizi is a good opportunity to have an open conversation. Remember, these payments are publicly reported under the Sunshine Act, designed to increase transparency. They don't automatically mean your doctor's decisions are compromised. However, it's wise to be informed. At your next appointment, you could ask, 'I saw you received a payment from Johnson & Johnson for consulting. Could you tell me more about that work and how it relates to the treatments you recommend?' This opens the door for your doctor to explain their involvement, perhaps in advising on drug development or patient education. Consider if Dr. Young primarily prescribes Skyrizi or if they discuss a range of treatment options, including generics or other brands. If you have concerns about a specific prescription or feel your doctor isn't considering all options, it's always appropriate to seek a second opinion or discuss alternative treatments. While many payments are routine for expert consultation, significant or frequent payments, especially for specific drugs, warrant closer attention and discussion.

Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?

Payments to physicians in General Surgery vary widely, but consulting fees can be substantial, especially for specialized knowledge. While a precise average for this specific type of consulting is hard to pinpoint, a payment of over $14,000 for a single engagement is on the higher end but not unheard of for expert advisory roles. Approximately 40-50% of physicians receive some form of payment from the industry annually, with consulting being a common category.

Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements

The Sunshine Act, part of the Affordable Care Act, mandates that manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and other healthcare items report payments and other transfers of value made to physicians and teaching hospitals. This specific payment, a consulting fee exceeding the $10 threshold, is required to be reported. These types of payments are subject to ongoing scrutiny to ensure they do not unduly influence clinical decision-making and are properly disclosed to the public.

Related Topics

This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:

• pharma-payments
• sunshine-act
• general-surgery
• consulting-fees
• conflict-of-interest
• johnson-johnson
• skyrizi

Understanding consulting Payments

Consulting payments are made when pharmaceutical companies hire physicians as advisors or consultants. This can include serving on advisory boards, providing expert medical opinions on drug development or marketing strategies, and reviewing clinical data. Consulting is one of the most common forms of pharmaceutical payment to physicians and can range from a few hundred dollars for a brief consultation to tens of thousands of dollars for ongoing advisory relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment

Does my doctor take pharma money?

Yes, many doctors do. The U.S. government's CMS Open Payments program (also known as the Sunshine Act) requires pharmaceutical and medical device companies to report payments made to physicians and teaching hospitals. You can search this database yourself on the CMS website using your doctor's name or NPI (National Provider Identifier). Seeing a payment doesn't automatically mean there's a problem; it's about transparency. It allows patients to be informed about potential relationships that could influence care, encouraging open dialogue with their healthcare providers.

Should I worry about this payment?

This specific payment of $14,090.29 to Dr. Andrew Young for consulting on Skyrizi is a significant amount, which warrants awareness. However, it doesn't automatically mean your care is compromised. Consulting fees are often for providing expert advice, research, or educational services. The key is to consider this information alongside your overall experience with Dr. Young. Does he discuss multiple treatment options with you? Does he seem open to your questions about medications? If you have concerns, use this information as a prompt to ask him directly about his relationship with Johnson & Johnson and how it informs his practice.

What types of pharma payments are most concerning?

While all payments are reported for transparency, certain types can raise more questions. Large consulting fees, speaker fees for promotional events, or significant payments for research related to a specific drug can be more concerning if they appear to directly incentivize prescribing that drug. Payments for meals, travel, or gifts, while often smaller, can also create subtle biases. The most concerning situations often involve frequent, substantial payments tied directly to a physician's prescribing habits for a particular medication, especially if alternative, equally effective, and less expensive treatments exist.

How do I talk to my doctor about pharma relationships?

Start by being direct and non-accusatory. You could say, 'I saw on the Open Payments website that you received a payment from [Company Name] for [Reason]. Could you tell me more about that?' or 'I'm interested in understanding how you stay up-to-date on new medications. Do you work with pharmaceutical companies in any capacity?' Listen to their explanation. Ask follow-up questions like, 'How does this relationship influence the treatment options you consider for me?' or 'Are there other medications for my condition that you also recommend?' The goal is to foster open communication and ensure you feel confident in the treatment plan.

Is it legal for doctors to accept pharma payments?

Yes, it is legal for doctors to accept payments from pharmaceutical and medical device companies, provided these relationships are transparent and comply with regulations. The Sunshine Act requires companies to report most payments, including consulting fees, speaking fees, research grants, and even meals, above a certain value threshold. This reporting is intended to allow patients and the public to see these financial ties. While legal, physicians are still bound by ethical guidelines to prioritize patient well-being above financial gain.

Does pharma money affect what my doctor prescribes?

Research suggests that financial relationships between doctors and pharmaceutical companies can influence prescribing patterns. Doctors who receive payments may be more likely to prescribe the company's drugs, even when other equally effective options are available. This influence can be subtle, stemming from increased familiarity with a drug, perceived expertise gained through consulting, or even unconscious bias. While not all payments lead to biased prescribing, it's a recognized factor that patients should be aware of and discuss openly with their doctors.

How does this compare to other doctors in this specialty?

General surgeons, like physicians in many specialties, do receive payments from the pharmaceutical industry. A payment of $14,090.29 for consulting is on the higher side for a single engagement within this field, suggesting a potentially significant advisory role. While many general surgeons receive payments for various reasons (research, consulting, speaking), the frequency and amount can vary greatly. Data from CMS Open Payments shows that a substantial percentage of physicians in surgical specialties engage with industry, but the specific amount and nature of payments differ widely based on individual expertise and company needs.

Related Reports

• View Dr. Andrew Young's full payment report
• Johnson & Johnson full spending report
• Browse all General Surgery payments
• Browse all payments in Colorado
• Search for other payments