$37,911.99 ownership Payment -- AstraZeneca to Dr. Robert Johnson
Cardiologist Robert Johnson Receives Significant Ownership Interest Payment from AstraZeneca
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $37,911.99 ownership payment from AstraZeneca to Dr. Robert Johnson. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $37,911.99 |
| Payment Type | ownership |
| Payment Nature | Ownership or Investment Interest |
| Pharmaceutical Company | AstraZeneca |
| Physician | Dr. Robert Johnson |
| NPI Number | 1455543891 |
| Physician Specialty | Cardiology |
| Location | Albany, NY |
| Date of Payment | 2024-06-19 |
| Related Drug/Device | Ozempic |
| 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.
AstraZeneca made a $37.9K ownership payment to Robert Johnson, a Cardiology specialist in Albany, NY. The payment was associated with Ozempic. Robert Johnson received a substantial $37,911.99 payment from AstraZeneca, categorized as an ownership or investment interest. This payment is linked to AstraZeneca, a major pharmaceutical company, and potentially related to their product Ozempic. The payment occurred on June 19, 2024, and was made to a Cardiology specialist in Albany, NY.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a patient, understand that your doctor may have financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, which could influence treatment decisions. Discuss any concerns with your physician. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Ownership or investment interests for cardiologists can vary widely, but a payment of this magnitude warrants attention to potential conflicts of interest.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment falls under the Sunshine Act, requiring disclosure of financial relationships between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers to ensure transparency.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- ownership-interest
- pharmaceutical-payments
- cardiology
- astrazeneca
- ozempic
- 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 $37.9K payment for?
This was a ownership payment of $37.9K from AstraZeneca to Robert Johnson, categorized as "Ownership or Investment Interest". It was associated with Ozempic. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Robert Johnson accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Robert Johnson received this $37.9K payment from AstraZeneca. 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 ownership payment?
A ownership payment of $37.9K 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 Cardiology?
To compare this payment against Cardiology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Cardiology 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 AstraZeneca?
The payment amount is notable, exceeding typical consulting or speaking fees. This $37.9K ownership payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Cardiology?
The 'ownership or investment interest' nature suggests a deeper financial relationship than a simple transaction.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a patient, understand that your doctor may have financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, which could influence treatment decisions. Discuss any concerns with your physician.
What else should I know about this ownership payment?
The specific drug Ozempic is mentioned, implying a potential connection to its development, promotion, or sales.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.