$368.62 general Payment -- Teva Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Matthew Walker
Psychiatrist Matthew Walker receives $368.62 from Teva Pharmaceuticals for Tecfidera-related services
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $368.62 general payment from Teva Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Matthew Walker. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $368.62 |
| Payment Type | general |
| Payment Nature | Compensation for services other than consulting |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Teva Pharmaceuticals |
| Physician | Dr. Matthew Walker |
| NPI Number | 1142989260 |
| Physician Specialty | Psychiatry |
| Location | Sacramento, CA |
| Date of Payment | 2025-01-20 |
| Related Drug/Device | Tecfidera |
| 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.
Teva Pharmaceuticals made a $368.62 general payment to Matthew Walker, a Psychiatry specialist in Sacramento, CA. The payment was associated with Tecfidera. Matthew Walker received a payment of $368.62 from Teva Pharmaceuticals on January 20, 2025. The payment was for services other than consulting, specifically related to the drug Tecfidera. This payment falls into the 'general' payment type category.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a patient of Dr. Matthew Walker, this payment relates to his professional activities and does not directly impact your care. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
For a psychiatrist, a payment of $368.62 for services other than consulting is generally considered low, especially when compared to potential payments for speaking or consulting roles.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment is reported under the CMS Open Payments program, which aims to increase transparency regarding financial relationships between drug and device manufacturers and healthcare providers.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- physician-compensation
- psychiatry
- teva-pharmaceuticals
- tecfidera
- open-payments
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 $368.62 payment for?
This was a general payment of $368.62 from Teva Pharmaceuticals to Matthew Walker, categorized as "Compensation for services other than consulting". It was associated with Tecfidera. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Matthew Walker accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Matthew Walker received this $368.62 payment from Teva Pharmaceuticals. 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 general payment?
A general payment of $368.62 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 Psychiatry?
To compare this payment against Psychiatry averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Psychiatry 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 Teva Pharmaceuticals?
The payment amount is relatively small, suggesting a minor service or a single instance of compensation. This $368.62 general payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Psychiatry?
The payment is categorized as 'general', indicating it's not for research or speaking engagements.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a patient of Dr. Matthew Walker, this payment relates to his professional activities and does not directly impact your care.
What else should I know about this general payment?
The specific drug mentioned, Tecfidera, is often used to treat multiple sclerosis, which may or may not be directly relevant to a general psychiatry practice.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.