$3,071.23 general Payment -- Novartis Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Stephanie King
Novartis Pharmaceuticals provides $3,071.23 for educational purposes to an Ophthalmologist.
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $3,071.23 general payment from Novartis Pharmaceuticals to Dr. Stephanie King. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $3,071.23 |
| Payment Type | general |
| Payment Nature | Education |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Novartis Pharmaceuticals |
| Physician | Dr. Stephanie King |
| NPI Number | 1953145337 |
| Physician Specialty | Ophthalmology |
| Location | City, TN |
| Date of Payment | 2025-06-06 |
| Conflict Assessment | Low -- 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.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals made a $3.1K general payment to Stephanie King, a Ophthalmology specialist in City, TN. The payment of $3,071.23 to Dr. Stephanie King in Ophthalmology is categorized as 'Education' by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. This payment was made on June 6, 2025, and is part of the CMS Open Payments program. The record indicates a general payment type, suggesting it's not tied to a specific product or research.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
This payment was made to your physician for educational purposes, which may include training or informational resources. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Payments for general education in Ophthalmology are common, and this amount appears to be within a typical range for such activities.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This transaction is reported under the Sunshine Act, requiring transparency in payments made by pharmaceutical companies to healthcare providers.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- physician-education
- ophthalmology
- open-payments
- novartis
- medical-education
Understanding general Payments
general payments are one of several categories of financial transfers from pharmaceutical and medical device companies to physicians that must be reported under the Sunshine Act. Understanding the type and context of a payment is important for evaluating its significance. Not all payments are equal -- a research grant has very different implications than a promotional speaking fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment
What was this $3.1K payment for?
This was a general payment of $3.1K from Novartis Pharmaceuticals to Stephanie King, categorized as "Education". The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Stephanie King accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Stephanie King received this $3.1K payment from Novartis Pharmaceuticals. 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 general payment?
A general payment of $3.1K 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 Ophthalmology?
To compare this payment against Ophthalmology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Ophthalmology 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 Novartis Pharmaceuticals?
The payment amount is relatively modest, suggesting it may cover costs for educational materials or a short training session. This $3.1K general payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Ophthalmology?
The 'Education' nature of the payment is broad and could encompass various activities like attending a seminar or receiving informational materials.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
This payment was made to your physician for educational purposes, which may include training or informational resources.
What else should I know about this general payment?
The payment was made by a major pharmaceutical company, Novartis, which is common in the industry for educational initiatives.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.