$4,491.49 travel Payment -- AstraZeneca to Dr. Mark Perez

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.

AstraZeneca made a $4.5K travel payment to Mark Perez, a Nephrology specialist in Albany, NY. The payment was associated with Wegovy. The payment of $4,491.49 to Dr. Mark Perez from AstraZeneca for travel and lodging related to Wegovy is a significant amount for a single trip. The payment occurred on January 9, 2026, indicating a recent engagement between the pharma company and the physician. The specialty of Nephrology and the drug Wegovy suggest the travel may be related to kidney disease treatment or research.

Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You

This payment covers travel and lodging expenses for a physician, which may be related to educational events or research concerning medications like Wegovy. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.

Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?

While travel payments are common in the pharmaceutical industry, the amount of $4,491.49 for a single instance of travel and lodging may be higher than typical for routine physician interactions in Nephrology.

Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements

Payments for travel and lodging to physicians by pharmaceutical companies are subject to disclosure under the Sunshine Act, intended to promote transparency in healthcare.

Related Topics

This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:

• pharmaceutical-payments
• physician-compensation
• travel-expenses
• nephrology
• astrazeneca
• wegovy

Understanding travel Payments

Travel and lodging payments cover transportation and accommodation expenses for physicians attending conferences, advisory board meetings, or speaking engagements sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. These payments can be substantial, particularly for international travel or multi-day events.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment

What was this $4.5K payment for?

This was a travel payment of $4.5K from AstraZeneca to Mark Perez, categorized as "Travel and Lodging". It was associated with Wegovy. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).

Does Mark Perez accept pharmaceutical money?

Yes, Mark Perez received this $4.5K payment from AstraZeneca. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Mark Perez'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 travel payment?

A travel payment of $4.5K 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 Nephrology?

To compare this payment against Nephrology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Nephrology 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 Mark Perez's relationship with AstraZeneca?

The payment covers 'Travel and Lodging', suggesting an extended or complex trip. This $4.5K travel payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.

Is this payment amount typical for Nephrology?

AstraZeneca is the paying entity, a major pharmaceutical company.

What should patients do after learning about this payment?

This payment covers travel and lodging expenses for a physician, which may be related to educational events or research concerning medications like Wegovy.

What else should I know about this travel payment?

Dr. Mark Perez, a Nephrologist, is the recipient.

Related Reports

• View Dr. Mark Perez's full payment report
• AstraZeneca full spending report
• Browse all Nephrology payments
• Browse all payments in New York
• Search for other payments