$2,042.61 travel Payment -- Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Lisa Garcia
Vertex Pharmaceuticals covers $2042.61 in travel for pediatrician Dr. Lisa Garcia related to Eylea.
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $2,042.61 travel payment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Lisa Garcia. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $2,042.61 |
| Payment Type | travel |
| Payment Nature | Travel and Lodging |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Vertex Pharmaceuticals |
| Physician | Dr. Lisa Garcia |
| NPI Number | 1528142428 |
| Physician Specialty | Pediatrics |
| Location | Dallas, TX |
| Date of Payment | 2026-01-28 |
| Related Drug/Device | Eylea |
| 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.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals made a $2.0K travel payment to Lisa Garcia, a Pediatrics specialist in Dallas, TX. The payment was associated with Eylea. The payment of $2042.61 to Dr. Lisa Garcia for travel and lodging is associated with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This payment is linked to the drug or device Eylea, indicating a potential influence on prescribing habits. The payment occurred on January 28, 2026, and was made to a pediatrician in Dallas, TX.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a patient, understand that your doctor may receive payments from pharmaceutical companies for travel related to medical education or events. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
While travel payments are common in many specialties, the amount and nature of this payment for a pediatrician should be considered in the context of typical educational or promotional activities within pediatrics.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment falls under the Sunshine Act provisions of the Affordable Care Act, requiring disclosure of financial relationships between drug manufacturers and healthcare providers.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- physician-compensation
- travel-expenses
- pediatrics
- drug-promotion
- open-payments-data
Understanding travel Payments
Travel and lodging payments cover transportation and accommodation expenses for physicians attending conferences, advisory board meetings, or speaking engagements sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. These payments can be substantial, particularly for international travel or multi-day events.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment
What was this $2.0K payment for?
This was a travel payment of $2.0K from Vertex Pharmaceuticals to Lisa Garcia, categorized as "Travel and Lodging". It was associated with Eylea. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Lisa Garcia accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Lisa Garcia received this $2.0K payment from Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Lisa Garcia'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 travel payment?
A travel payment of $2.0K 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 Pediatrics?
To compare this payment against Pediatrics averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Pediatrics 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 Lisa Garcia's relationship with Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
The payment covers travel and lodging, which can be a significant expense for healthcare professionals attending conferences or meetings. This $2.0K travel payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Pediatrics?
The specific drug Eylea is mentioned, suggesting the travel may be related to education or promotion of this particular product.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a patient, understand that your doctor may receive payments from pharmaceutical companies for travel related to medical education or events.
What else should I know about this travel payment?
Dr. Garcia's specialty is Pediatrics, and the payment is from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a company with a diverse drug portfolio.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.