$22,920.81 consulting Payment -- Amgen Inc to Dr. Stephanie King
Nephrologist Receives Substantial Consulting Fee from Amgen for Tecfidera-Related Services
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $22,920.81 consulting payment from Amgen Inc to Dr. Stephanie King. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $22,920.81 |
| Payment Type | consulting |
| Payment Nature | Consulting Fee |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Amgen Inc |
| Physician | Dr. Stephanie King |
| NPI Number | 1112351968 |
| Physician Specialty | Nephrology |
| Location | Ann Arbor, MI |
| Date of Payment | 2025-12-16 |
| Related Drug/Device | Tecfidera |
| 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.
Amgen Inc made a $22.9K consulting payment to Stephanie King, a Nephrology specialist in Ann Arbor, MI. The payment was associated with Tecfidera. The payment of $22,920.81 to Dr. Stephanie King for consulting services is a significant amount, potentially influencing prescribing habits. The payment is linked to Tecfidera, a drug manufactured by Amgen Inc., raising questions about the independence of medical advice. The consulting fee structure for this payment warrants scrutiny to ensure it aligns with fair market value for services rendered.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
Patients should be aware that their doctor may receive payments from pharmaceutical companies for consulting, which could potentially influence treatment recommendations. It is advisable to discuss any concerns about this with your healthcare provider. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Consulting fees for physicians can vary widely, but a payment of this magnitude for a single engagement may be higher than typical for routine consultations, depending on the scope and duration of services.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
Physicians receiving payments from pharmaceutical companies are required to disclose these transactions under the Sunshine Act, and patients have the right to access this information to understand potential influences on their care.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- physician-compensation
- consulting-fees
- drug-marketing
- nephrology
- amgen
- tecfidera
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 $22.9K payment for?
This was a consulting payment of $22.9K from Amgen Inc to Stephanie King, categorized as "Consulting Fee". It was associated with Tecfidera. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Stephanie King accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Stephanie King received this $22.9K payment from Amgen Inc. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Stephanie King'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 $22.9K 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 Nephrology?
To compare this payment against Nephrology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Nephrology 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 Stephanie King's relationship with Amgen Inc?
The payment date of December 16, 2025, is in the future, suggesting this may be a projected or recurring payment. This $22.9K consulting payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Nephrology?
The specific nature of the 'Consulting Fee' is not detailed, leaving room for interpretation regarding the services provided.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
Patients should be aware that their doctor may receive payments from pharmaceutical companies for consulting, which could potentially influence treatment recommendations. It is advisable to discuss any concerns about this with your healthcare provider.
What else should I know about this consulting payment?
Dr. King's NPI (1112351968) can be used to cross-reference other payments and potential conflicts of interest.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.