$707.66 general Payment -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Robert Johnson
Vertex Pharmaceuticals makes $707.66 educational payment to Genetics physician for Kisqali
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $707.66 general payment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Robert Johnson. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $707.66 |
| Payment Type | general |
| Payment Nature | Education |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Vertex Pharmaceuticals |
| Physician | Dr. Robert Johnson |
| NPI Number | 1793352981 |
| Physician Specialty | Genetics |
| Location | City, SC |
| Date of Payment | 2025-08-09 |
| Related Drug/Device | Kisqali |
| Conflict Assessment | Low -- Routine |
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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals made a $707.66 general payment to Robert Johnson, a Genetics specialist in City, SC. The payment was associated with Kisqali. The payment of $707.66 to Dr. Robert Johnson by Vertex Pharmaceuticals for "Education" related to Kisqali is a relatively small amount. The payment occurred on August 9, 2025, indicating a recent interaction between the pharma company and the physician. The physician's specialty is Genetics, which may or may not be directly related to the drug Kisqali, requiring further investigation.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
This payment was for educational purposes and should not influence your medical decisions regarding Kisqali. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Educational payments of this nature are common in the pharmaceutical industry, but their appropriateness can vary depending on the specific context and the physician's specialty.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment falls under the Sunshine Act provisions, requiring disclosure of financial relationships between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharma-payment
- educational-payment
- physician-payment
- vertex-pharmaceuticals
- kisqali
- genetics-specialty
Understanding general Payments
general payments are one of several categories of financial transfers from pharmaceutical and medical device companies to physicians that must be reported under the Sunshine Act. Understanding the type and context of a payment is important for evaluating its significance. Not all payments are equal -- a research grant has very different implications than a promotional speaking fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment
What was this $707.66 payment for?
This was a general payment of $707.66 from Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Robert Johnson, categorized as "Education". It was associated with Kisqali. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Robert Johnson accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Robert Johnson received this $707.66 payment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Robert Johnson'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 general payment?
A general payment of $707.66 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 Genetics?
To compare this payment against Genetics averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Genetics 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 Robert Johnson's relationship with Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
The payment is categorized as "general" and for "Education", suggesting it's not for research or consulting. This $707.66 general payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Genetics?
The specific drug mentioned is Kisqali, and its relevance to the Genetics specialty needs to be confirmed.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
This payment was for educational purposes and should not influence your medical decisions regarding Kisqali.
What else should I know about this general payment?
The payment ID "OP-MNEUOEIV-GU8VUK" can be used to retrieve more detailed information if available.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.