$21,431.72 consulting Payment -- Amgen Inc to Dr. Matthew Walker

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.

Amgen Inc made a $21.4K consulting payment to Matthew Walker, a Oncology specialist in City, IN. The payment was associated with Imbruvica. Matthew Walker received a $21,431.72 consulting fee from Amgen Inc. The payment was related to Imbruvica, an oncology drug. This payment occurred on March 13, 2025.

Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You

If you are a patient, understand that your doctor may receive payments for consulting or other services from pharmaceutical companies. This payment is for consulting related to Imbruvica. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.

Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?

Consulting fees for oncologists can vary widely, but this amount may be higher than average for a single engagement, depending on the scope of work.

Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements

Payments to physicians for consulting services are reportable under the Sunshine Act, requiring disclosure of the nature and amount of the payment.

Related Topics

This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:

• pharma-payments
• consulting-fees
• oncology
• ambulatory-care
• drug-marketing
• physician-compensation

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 $21.4K payment for?

This was a consulting payment of $21.4K from Amgen Inc to Matthew Walker, categorized as "Consulting Fee". It was associated with Imbruvica. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).

Does Matthew Walker accept pharmaceutical money?

Yes, Matthew Walker received this $21.4K payment from Amgen Inc. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Matthew Walker'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 $21.4K 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 Oncology?

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

The payment amount is substantial for a single consulting engagement. This $21.4K consulting payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.

Is this payment amount typical for Oncology?

The payment is specifically tied to a particular drug, Imbruvica.

What should patients do after learning about this payment?

If you are a patient, understand that your doctor may receive payments for consulting or other services from pharmaceutical companies. This payment is for consulting related to Imbruvica.

What else should I know about this consulting payment?

The payment was made by Amgen Inc., a major pharmaceutical company.

Related Reports

• View Dr. Matthew Walker's full payment report
• Amgen Inc full spending report
• Browse all Oncology payments
• Browse all payments in Indiana
• Search for other payments