$209.88 meals Payment -- Amgen Inc to Dr. Richard Brown

Amgen Inc. provides $209.88 in meals to Hematologist Richard Brown for Mounjaro.

This page provides a detailed analysis of a $209.88 meals payment from Amgen Inc to Dr. Richard Brown. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.

Payment Details

FieldValue
Amount$209.88
Payment Typemeals
Payment NatureFood and Beverage
Pharmaceutical CompanyAmgen Inc
PhysicianDr. Richard Brown
NPI Number1898418965
Physician SpecialtyHematology
LocationNewark, NJ
Date of Payment2025-09-04
Related Drug/DeviceMounjaro
Conflict AssessmentLow -- 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.

Amgen Inc made a $209.88 meals payment to Richard Brown, a Hematology specialist in Newark, NJ. The payment was associated with Mounjaro. The payment of $209.88 was for meals provided by Amgen Inc. This payment was associated with the drug Mounjaro, prescribed by a Hematologist. The payment occurred on September 4, 2025, in Newark, NJ.

Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You

This record shows a meal provided by a pharmaceutical company, which is a common practice in the healthcare industry. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.

Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?

Meals provided by pharmaceutical companies to physicians are generally considered a lower-value interaction compared to research grants or consulting fees, especially in specialties like Hematology where complex treatments are discussed.

Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements

Payments for meals are reportable under the Sunshine Act, requiring disclosure of the nature of the payment, the recipient, and the paying entity.

Related Topics

This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:

Understanding meals Payments

Food and beverage payments cover meals provided to physicians during pharmaceutical sales representative visits, medical conferences, and educational events. While individual meal payments tend to be small (often under $100), research published in JAMA Internal Medicine has shown that even modest meals can be associated with changes in prescribing behavior. Meal payments are the most common type of pharmaceutical payment to physicians.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment

What was this $209.88 payment for?

This was a meals payment of $209.88 from Amgen Inc to Richard Brown, categorized as "Food and Beverage". It was associated with Mounjaro. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).

Does Richard Brown accept pharmaceutical money?

Yes, Richard Brown received this $209.88 payment from Amgen Inc. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Richard Brown'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 meals payment?

A meals payment of $209.88 is generally routine and common in the industry. 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 Hematology?

To compare this payment against Hematology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Hematology 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 Richard Brown's relationship with Amgen Inc?

The payment is categorized as 'Food and Beverage'. This $209.88 meals payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.

Is this payment amount typical for Hematology?

The specific drug associated is Mounjaro.

What should patients do after learning about this payment?

This record shows a meal provided by a pharmaceutical company, which is a common practice in the healthcare industry.

What else should I know about this meals payment?

The payment ID is OP-MNJ1DD7T-G4XE7G.

Related Reports

Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.