$165,490.12 ownership Payment -- Amgen Inc to Dr. Christopher Clark

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.

Amgen Inc made a $165.5K ownership payment to Christopher Clark, a Rheumatology specialist in City, TN. The payment was associated with Eylea. The total value of the ownership interest is substantial at $165,490.12. This payment represents an 'Ownership or Investment Interest' rather than a direct payment for services. The payment was made by Amgen Inc., a major pharmaceutical company.

Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You

This record indicates an investment or ownership stake you hold in a company that may benefit from your medical expertise or prescribing habits. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.

Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?

Ownership interests can be common in healthcare, but the significant value of this particular investment warrants attention within the Rheumatology specialty.

Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements

This disclosure is mandated under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, requiring transparency in financial relationships between healthcare providers and manufacturers.

Related Topics

This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:

• ownership-interest
• amgen-inc
• christopher-clark
• rheumatology
• eylea
• cms-open-payments

Understanding ownership Payments

Ownership and investment interest payments represent dividends, returns, or other financial benefits from physician ownership stakes in pharmaceutical or medical device companies. These relationships represent the most direct form of financial interest and are subject to the strictest reporting requirements under the Sunshine Act.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment

What was this $165.5K payment for?

This was a ownership payment of $165.5K from Amgen Inc to Christopher Clark, categorized as "Ownership or Investment Interest". It was associated with Eylea. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).

Does Christopher Clark accept pharmaceutical money?

Yes, Christopher Clark received this $165.5K payment from Amgen Inc. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Christopher Clark's full payment history on the CMS Open Payments database or on this site.

Is it legal for doctors to accept pharma payments?

Yes, it is legal for physicians to receive payments from pharmaceutical companies. The Physician Payments Sunshine Act (2010) requires transparency by mandating that companies report all payments exceeding $10 to CMS. These payments include consulting fees, meals, travel, speaking fees, and research grants. The law does not prohibit payments but ensures public disclosure.

Should I be concerned about this ownership payment?

A ownership payment of $165.5K should be evaluated in context. Payment does not imply wrongdoing, but patients have the right to ask their doctor about pharmaceutical relationships.

How do I talk to my doctor about pharma relationships?

You can ask your doctor directly: "Do you receive payments from pharmaceutical companies?" and "Does this affect which medications you prescribe?" Most doctors will answer honestly. You can also verify payment data yourself through CMS Open Payments (openpaymentsdata.cms.gov). Consider asking about generic alternatives and whether the prescribed medication is the best option regardless of manufacturer relationships.

What types of pharma payments are most concerning?

Ownership interests and large consulting/speaking fees are generally considered more significant than meals or small educational grants. Research payments typically fund clinical studies and are common in academic medicine. The total volume and concentration of payments from a single company may be more telling than any individual payment. Patterns matter more than individual transactions.

Does pharma money affect what my doctor prescribes?

Research shows that even small payments can influence prescribing behavior. Studies published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that physicians who received meals costing as little as $20 were more likely to prescribe the promoted brand-name drug. However, many physician-industry interactions are legitimate professional activities. The key is transparency and awareness.

How does this compare to other doctors in Rheumatology?

To compare this payment against Rheumatology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Rheumatology physicians may receive payments for consulting, speaking, or research that are standard for the field. Individual payments should be evaluated in the context of the doctor's full payment history.

What does this payment reveal about Christopher Clark's relationship with Amgen Inc?

The payment date is in the future (2025-09-30), suggesting a reporting of an ongoing or future arrangement. This $165.5K ownership payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.

Is this payment amount typical for Rheumatology?

The specific drug/device mentioned is Eylea, though the payment type is ownership, not directly tied to product sales.

What should patients do after learning about this payment?

This record indicates an investment or ownership stake you hold in a company that may benefit from your medical expertise or prescribing habits.

What else should I know about this ownership payment?

The payment is categorized as 'Ownership or Investment Interest', which is distinct from consulting fees or speaker fees.

Related Reports

• View Dr. Christopher Clark's full payment report
• Amgen Inc full spending report
• Browse all Rheumatology payments
• Browse all payments in Tennessee
• Search for other payments