$15,435.05 consulting Payment -- Pfizer Inc to Dr. Karen Harris
Pfizer Inc. compensates Oncologist Karen Harris $15,435.05 for Humira-related consulting
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $15,435.05 consulting payment from Pfizer Inc to Dr. Karen Harris. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $15,435.05 |
| Payment Type | consulting |
| Payment Nature | Consulting Fee |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Pfizer Inc |
| Physician | Dr. Karen Harris |
| NPI Number | 1574469372 |
| Physician Specialty | Oncology |
| Location | Winston-Salem, NC |
| Date of Payment | 2025-08-23 |
| Related Drug/Device | Humira |
| Conflict Assessment | Moderate -- Worth Noting |
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.
Pfizer Inc made a $15.4K consulting payment to Karen Harris, a Oncology specialist in Winston-Salem, NC. The payment was associated with Humira. Pfizer Inc. paid Dr. Karen Harris, an Oncologist, $15,435.05 for consulting services related to Humira. The payment was made on August 23, 2025, indicating a recent engagement. This payment falls under 'consulting' and 'Consulting Fee' categories, suggesting advisory or expert services.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
Patients should be aware that their physicians may receive payments from pharmaceutical companies for consulting services, which could potentially influence treatment recommendations. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
For an Oncologist, consulting fees from pharmaceutical companies are not uncommon, especially if the drug relates to cancer treatment or supportive care, but the amount should be evaluated against typical consulting rates for the specialty.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
Payments to physicians by pharmaceutical companies are subject to disclosure under the Sunshine Act (part of the Affordable Care Act) to promote transparency in healthcare.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- physician-compensation
- consulting-fees
- oncology
- pfizer
- humira
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
What was this $15.4K payment for?
This was a consulting payment of $15.4K from Pfizer Inc to Karen Harris, categorized as "Consulting Fee". It was associated with Humira. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Karen Harris accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Karen Harris received this $15.4K payment from Pfizer Inc. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Karen Harris'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 consulting payment?
A consulting payment of $15.4K may reflect legitimate advisory services the physician provides. 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 Oncology?
To compare this payment against Oncology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Oncology 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 Karen Harris's relationship with Pfizer Inc?
The payment amount is substantial for a single consulting engagement. This $15.4K consulting payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Oncology?
The specific drug mentioned, Humira, is a biologic used for various inflammatory conditions.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
Patients should be aware that their physicians may receive payments from pharmaceutical companies for consulting services, which could potentially influence treatment recommendations.
What else should I know about this consulting payment?
Dr. Harris's specialty is Oncology, which may or may not directly align with Humira's primary indications, warranting further investigation.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.