$40,328.97 research Payment -- Johnson & Johnson to Dr. Thomas Miller
Johnson & Johnson invests over $40,000 in ophthalmology research with Dr. Thomas Miller
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $40,328.97 research payment from Johnson & Johnson to Dr. Thomas Miller. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $40,328.97 |
| Payment Type | research |
| Payment Nature | Research |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Johnson & Johnson |
| Physician | Dr. Thomas Miller |
| NPI Number | 1469192385 |
| Physician Specialty | Ophthalmology |
| Location | City, AL |
| Date of Payment | 2025-09-23 |
| 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.
Johnson & Johnson made a $40.3K research payment to Thomas Miller, a Ophthalmology specialist in City, AL. Johnson & Johnson made a significant research payment of $40,328.97 to Dr. Thomas Miller in Ophthalmology. The payment was designated for research purposes, indicating a potential investment in new treatments or studies. This payment occurred on September 23, 2025, and was processed through the CMS Open Payments system.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
This payment is for research and may contribute to the development of new treatments or medical knowledge in ophthalmology. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Research payments can vary widely depending on the scope and duration of the study; this amount should be considered in the context of typical ophthalmology research funding.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment is reported 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-research
- ophthalmology
- physician-payment
- cms-open-payments
- johnson-johnson
- research-funding
Understanding research Payments
Research payments fund clinical trials, research studies, and investigator-initiated research conducted by physicians. These payments are often the largest category and represent a critical part of the drug development process. Research funding is generally considered the most legitimate form of pharmaceutical payment, though potential conflicts of interest can still arise when researchers have financial relationships with the companies whose products they study.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Payment
What was this $40.3K payment for?
This was a research payment of $40.3K from Johnson & Johnson to Thomas Miller, categorized as "Research". The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Thomas Miller accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Thomas Miller received this $40.3K payment from Johnson & Johnson. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Thomas Miller'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 research payment?
A research payment of $40.3K typically funds clinical studies and is considered standard academic activity. 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 Thomas Miller's relationship with Johnson & Johnson?
The payment amount is substantial, suggesting a significant research project. This $40.3K research payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Ophthalmology?
The payment type is 'research', which is distinct from payments for consulting or speaking engagements.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
This payment is for research and may contribute to the development of new treatments or medical knowledge in ophthalmology.
What else should I know about this research payment?
The date of payment is in the future (2025-09-23), which may indicate a planned or anticipated transaction.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.