$18,700.31 speaking Payment -- Johnson & Johnson to Dr. Matthew Walker
Dermatologist Matthew Walker Receives $18,700 for Johnson & Johnson Speaking Engagement
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $18,700.31 speaking payment from Johnson & Johnson to Dr. Matthew Walker. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $18,700.31 |
| Payment Type | speaking |
| Payment Nature | Compensation for serving as faculty or as a speaker |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Johnson & Johnson |
| Physician | Dr. Matthew Walker |
| NPI Number | 1106322214 |
| Physician Specialty | Dermatology |
| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
| Date of Payment | 2024-04-23 |
| Conflict Assessment | Moderate -- Worth Noting |
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.
Johnson & Johnson made a $18.7K speaking payment to Matthew Walker, a Dermatology specialist in Los Angeles, CA. The payment of $18,700.31 to Dr. Matthew Walker from Johnson & Johnson is for speaking engagements. This payment falls under 'Compensation for serving as faculty or as a speaker,' indicating an educational or informational role. The payment was made on April 23, 2024, and is associated with NPI 1106322214.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a patient, this payment indicates your dermatologist may be compensated for educating others about medical treatments or products. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Payments for speaking engagements in dermatology can vary widely, but this amount suggests a significant role as a faculty member or speaker for Johnson & Johnson.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment is subject to reporting under the Sunshine Act, requiring disclosure of financial relationships between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- speaking-fees
- speaker-honoraria
- pharmaceutical-payments
- medical-education
- dermatology
- johnson-johnson
Understanding speaking Payments
Speaking and education payments compensate physicians for presenting at conferences, continuing medical education (CME) events, and promotional speaking engagements. These payments often cover honoraria, preparation time, and travel expenses. Speaking fees are among the highest-value payment categories and have attracted significant attention from researchers studying potential conflicts of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment
What was this $18.7K payment for?
This was a speaking payment of $18.7K from Johnson & Johnson to Matthew Walker, categorized as "Compensation for serving as faculty or as a speaker". The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Matthew Walker accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Matthew Walker received this $18.7K payment from Johnson & Johnson. 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 speaking payment?
A speaking payment of $18.7K 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 Dermatology?
To compare this payment against Dermatology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Dermatology 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 Johnson & Johnson?
The payment amount is substantial, suggesting a significant speaking commitment or a series of engagements. This $18.7K speaking payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Dermatology?
The payment type is 'speaking,' which is a common way for pharmaceutical companies to engage healthcare professionals for educational purposes.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a patient, this payment indicates your dermatologist may be compensated for educating others about medical treatments or products.
What else should I know about this speaking payment?
The specific nature of the compensation is detailed as 'Compensation for serving as faculty or as a speaker,' providing clarity on the service rendered.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.