$3,839.72 consulting Payment -- Allergan (AbbVie) to Dr. Melissa Reed
Neurologist Melissa Reed receives $3,839.72 consulting fee from Allergan for Spinraza.
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $3,839.72 consulting payment from Allergan (AbbVie) to Dr. Melissa Reed. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $3,839.72 |
| Payment Type | consulting |
| Payment Nature | Consulting Fee |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Allergan (AbbVie) |
| Physician | Dr. Melissa Reed |
| NPI Number | 1432343906 |
| Physician Specialty | Neurology |
| Location | Sacramento, CA |
| Date of Payment | 2024-05-29 |
| Related Drug/Device | Spinraza |
| 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.
Allergan (AbbVie) made a $3.8K consulting payment to Melissa Reed, a Neurology specialist in Sacramento, CA. The payment was associated with Spinraza. Melissa Reed received a $3,839.72 payment from Allergan (AbbVie) for consulting services related to Spinraza. The payment was made on May 29, 2024, indicating recent engagement. This payment falls under the 'consulting' category, suggesting advisory or educational activities.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
This payment was for consulting services related to a medication. It's important to understand how your doctor engages with pharmaceutical companies to ensure treatment decisions are based solely on your health needs. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Consulting fees are common in Neurology, especially for specialists involved in the development or education of new therapies like Spinraza, but the specific amount should be evaluated against industry benchmarks for similar services.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment is reportable under the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, requiring disclosure of financial relationships between drug manufacturers and physicians.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- consulting-fee
- neurology
- spinraza
- allergan-abbvie
- physician-payment
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 $3.8K payment for?
This was a consulting payment of $3.8K from Allergan (AbbVie) to Melissa Reed, categorized as "Consulting Fee". It was associated with Spinraza. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Melissa Reed accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Melissa Reed received this $3.8K payment from Allergan (AbbVie). Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Melissa Reed'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 $3.8K 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 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 Melissa Reed's relationship with Allergan (AbbVie)?
The payment amount is specific, suggesting a defined scope of work. This $3.8K consulting payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Neurology?
The payment was made directly to Dr. Reed, not through an intermediary.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
This payment was for consulting services related to a medication. It's important to understand how your doctor engages with pharmaceutical companies to ensure treatment decisions are based solely on your health needs.
What else should I know about this consulting payment?
The specialty is Neurology, which is directly relevant to Spinraza's therapeutic area.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.