$101,535.38 ownership Payment -- Allergan (AbbVie) to Dr. Matthew Walker
Plastic Surgeon Matthew Walker Receives Over $100K Ownership Interest from Allergan (AbbVie)
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $101,535.38 ownership payment from Allergan (AbbVie) to Dr. Matthew Walker. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $101,535.38 |
| Payment Type | ownership |
| Payment Nature | Ownership or Investment Interest |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Allergan (AbbVie) |
| Physician | Dr. Matthew Walker |
| NPI Number | 1619502850 |
| Physician Specialty | Plastic Surgery |
| Location | City, LA |
| Date of Payment | 2025-01-27 |
| Conflict Assessment | High -- Significant |
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.
Allergan (AbbVie) made a $101.5K ownership payment to Matthew Walker, a Plastic Surgery specialist in City, LA. Matthew Walker received a substantial ownership interest payment of $101,535.38 from Allergan (AbbVie) in January 2025. This payment falls under the 'Ownership or Investment Interest' category, indicating a financial stake in the company. The significant amount suggests a potentially deep financial relationship between the physician and the pharmaceutical company.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a physician receiving ownership interest from a pharmaceutical company, understand the terms and potential implications for your practice and patient care. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Ownership interest payments can be common in certain specialties, but the high value of this specific transaction warrants further investigation against industry benchmarks for plastic surgery.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
Physicians must disclose ownership interests in pharmaceutical companies as required by the Open Payments program to ensure transparency and identify potential conflicts of interest.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- ownership-interest
- pharmaceutical-payments
- allergan-abbvie
- matthew-walker
- plastic-surgery
- physician-compensation
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 $101.5K payment for?
This was a ownership payment of $101.5K from Allergan (AbbVie) to Matthew Walker, categorized as "Ownership or Investment Interest". The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Matthew Walker accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Matthew Walker received this $101.5K payment from Allergan (AbbVie). Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Matthew Walker'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 $101.5K 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 Plastic Surgery?
To compare this payment against Plastic Surgery averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Plastic Surgery 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 Matthew Walker's relationship with Allergan (AbbVie)?
The payment date is in the future (January 27, 2025), which is unusual for reported historical data. This $101.5K ownership payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Plastic Surgery?
The amount is a precise figure, suggesting a specific valuation or transaction.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a physician receiving ownership interest from a pharmaceutical company, understand the terms and potential implications for your practice and patient care.
What else should I know about this ownership payment?
The payment is categorized as 'Ownership or Investment Interest,' distinct from research or consulting fees.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.