$71,453.49 research Payment -- Biogen to Dr. Sarah Chen

Payment Details

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.

Biogen made a $71.5K research payment to Sarah Chen, a Neurology specialist in City, LA. The payment was associated with Ibrance. Biogen made a significant research payment of $71,453.49 to Dr. Sarah Chen in Neurology. The payment is associated with 'Ibrance', though the specific research is not detailed. This payment occurred on March 24, 2025, and was processed through the CMS Open Payments system.

Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You

If you are a patient involved in a clinical trial funded by pharmaceutical companies, ensure you understand the study's objectives and your role. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.

Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?

Research payments to neurologists can vary widely depending on the scope of studies; this amount is moderate to high for a single research payment.

Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements

Payments for research are generally permissible under the Sunshine Act if they support legitimate research activities and are properly disclosed.

Related Topics

This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:

• pharmaceutical-payments
• research-funding
• neurology
• oncology-drug
• cms-open-payments
• biogen

Understanding research Payments

Research payments fund clinical trials, research studies, and investigator-initiated research conducted by physicians. These payments are often the largest category and represent a critical part of the drug development process. Research funding is generally considered the most legitimate form of pharmaceutical payment, though potential conflicts of interest can still arise when researchers have financial relationships with the companies whose products they study.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment

What was this $71.5K payment for?

This was a research payment of $71.5K from Biogen to Sarah Chen, categorized as "Research". It was associated with Ibrance. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).

Does Sarah Chen accept pharmaceutical money?

Yes, Sarah Chen received this $71.5K payment from Biogen. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Sarah Chen'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 research payment?

A research payment of $71.5K typically funds clinical studies and is considered standard academic activity. 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 Neurology?

To compare this payment against Neurology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Neurology 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 Sarah Chen's relationship with Biogen?

The payment amount is substantial, suggesting a significant research project. This $71.5K research payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.

Is this payment amount typical for Neurology?

The payment type is 'research', indicating support for clinical trials or studies.

What should patients do after learning about this payment?

If you are a patient involved in a clinical trial funded by pharmaceutical companies, ensure you understand the study's objectives and your role.

What else should I know about this research payment?

Dr. Chen's specialty is Neurology, and 'Ibrance' is primarily used in oncology.

Related Reports

• View Dr. Sarah Chen's full payment report
• Biogen full spending report
• Browse all Neurology payments
• Browse all payments in Louisiana
• Search for other payments