$34,943.10 consulting Payment -- AbbVie Inc to Dr. Daniel White
AbbVie Inc. pays Rheumatologist Daniel White $34,943.10 for consulting services
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $34,943.10 consulting payment from AbbVie Inc to Dr. Daniel White. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $34,943.10 |
| Payment Type | consulting |
| Payment Nature | Consulting Fee |
| Pharmaceutical Company | AbbVie Inc |
| Physician | Dr. Daniel White |
| NPI Number | 1316760801 |
| Physician Specialty | Rheumatology |
| Location | Springfield, IL |
| Date of Payment | 2026-02-21 |
| Conflict Assessment | High -- Significant |
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.
AbbVie Inc made a $34.9K consulting payment to Daniel White, a Rheumatology specialist in Springfield, IL. The payment of $34,943.10 to Dr. Daniel White for consulting services from AbbVie Inc. is a significant amount for a single consulting engagement. The payment was made on February 21, 2026, indicating a recent or future engagement. The specialty of Rheumatology is noted, which may have specific consulting needs within the pharmaceutical industry.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
This payment is for consulting services provided to a pharmaceutical company. It is important to understand the nature of these services and how they align with your physician's professional activities. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Consulting fees for specialists like Rheumatologists can vary widely, but $34,943.10 for a single engagement is on the higher end, suggesting a potentially extensive or specialized consulting role.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
Payments to physicians by pharmaceutical companies are subject to disclosure under the Sunshine Act (part of the Affordable Care Act) to promote transparency in the healthcare industry.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- pharmaceutical-payments
- consulting-fees
- rheumatology
- physician-compensation
- abbvie-inc
- open-payments
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 $34.9K payment for?
This was a consulting payment of $34.9K from AbbVie Inc to Daniel White, categorized as "Consulting Fee". The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Daniel White accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Daniel White received this $34.9K payment from AbbVie Inc. Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical companies must report all payments to physicians exceeding $10. You can view Daniel White'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 $34.9K 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 Rheumatology?
To compare this payment against Rheumatology averages, check the full specialty breakdown on CMS Open Payments. Payment amounts vary widely by specialty and type. Rheumatology 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 Daniel White's relationship with AbbVie Inc?
The payment amount is substantial, exceeding typical per-meeting consulting fees. This $34.9K consulting payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Rheumatology?
The payment is categorized as a 'Consulting Fee' under 'consulting' payment type.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
This payment is for consulting services provided to a pharmaceutical company. It is important to understand the nature of these services and how they align with your physician's professional activities.
What else should I know about this consulting payment?
The date of payment is in the future (2026), suggesting a planned engagement.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.