$11,015.16 consulting Payment -- Takeda Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Benjamin Cook
Gastroenterologist Benjamin Cook Receives Over $11,000 Consulting Fee from Takeda Pharmaceuticals for Stelara
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $11,015.16 consulting payment from Takeda Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Benjamin Cook. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $11,015.16 |
| Payment Type | consulting |
| Payment Nature | Consulting Fee |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Takeda Pharmaceuticals |
| Physician | Dr. Benjamin Cook |
| NPI Number | 1338450337 |
| Physician Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Location | Akron, OH |
| Date of Payment | 2024-11-28 |
| Related Drug/Device | Stelara |
| 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.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals made a $11.0K consulting payment to Benjamin Cook, a Gastroenterology specialist in Akron, OH. The payment was associated with Stelara. The payment of $11,015.16 to Dr. Benjamin Cook for consulting services is a significant amount for a single engagement. The payment is related to Takeda Pharmaceuticals and the drug Stelara, indicating a focus on gastroenterological treatments. The consulting fee suggests Dr. Cook provided expert advice or services to the pharmaceutical company.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a patient being treated with Stelara, understand that your doctor may receive payments for consulting services from the drug manufacturer, which helps inform drug development and education. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
A $11,015.16 consulting fee for a single engagement is on the higher end for gastroenterology, though such fees can vary widely based on the scope and duration of the consulting services provided.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
Physicians receiving payments from pharmaceutical companies must ensure compliance with the Sunshine Act's reporting requirements and any applicable state laws regarding physician-industry relationships.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- consulting-fees
- gastroenterology
- takeda-pharmaceuticals
- stelara
- physician-compensation
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 $11.0K payment for?
This was a consulting payment of $11.0K from Takeda Pharmaceuticals to Benjamin Cook, categorized as "Consulting Fee". It was associated with Stelara. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Benjamin Cook accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Benjamin Cook received this $11.0K payment from Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Benjamin Cook'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 $11.0K 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 Gastroenterology?
To compare this payment against Gastroenterology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Gastroenterology 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 Benjamin Cook's relationship with Takeda Pharmaceuticals?
The payment amount is substantial, exceeding typical per-consultation fees. This $11.0K consulting payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Gastroenterology?
The specific drug mentioned, Stelara, is a biologic used for inflammatory conditions often treated by gastroenterologists.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a patient being treated with Stelara, understand that your doctor may receive payments for consulting services from the drug manufacturer, which helps inform drug development and education.
What else should I know about this consulting payment?
The payment date is in the future (November 28, 2024), which is unusual for a completed transaction.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.