$50,864.25 research Payment -- Boehringer Ingelheim to Dr. Matthew Walker
Boehringer Ingelheim invests over $50K in Oncology research for Rybelsus
This page provides a detailed analysis of a $50,864.25 research payment from Boehringer Ingelheim to Dr. Matthew Walker. Data is from the CMS Open Payments (Sunshine Act) database.
Payment Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Amount | $50,864.25 |
| Payment Type | research |
| Payment Nature | Research |
| Pharmaceutical Company | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Physician | Dr. Matthew Walker |
| NPI Number | 1728837367 |
| Physician Specialty | Oncology |
| Location | City, IN |
| Date of Payment | 2024-12-05 |
| Related Drug/Device | Rybelsus |
| 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.
Boehringer Ingelheim made a $50.9K research payment to Matthew Walker, a Oncology specialist in City, IN. The payment was associated with Rybelsus. Boehringer Ingelheim paid Matthew Walker $50,864.25 for research related to Rybelsus. The payment was made on December 5, 2024, indicating ongoing research support. Matthew Walker, an Oncologist, received this payment for research activities.
Patient Guidance: What This Payment Means for You
If you are a patient involved in a clinical trial for Rybelsus, your doctor may receive research payments to support the study. Always discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider and ask about alternatives.
Payment Context: Is This Amount Normal?
Research payments to Oncologists for Rybelsus are common as pharmaceutical companies fund studies to advance cancer treatments or related therapies.
Regulatory Context: Sunshine Act Requirements
This payment falls under the Sunshine Act, requiring disclosure of payments made by drug and device manufacturers to physicians and teaching hospitals.
Related Topics
This payment is related to the following healthcare transparency topics:
- boehringer-ingelheim
- matthew-walker
- rybelsus
- oncology
- research-payment
- cms-open-payments
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 $50.9K payment for?
This was a research payment of $50.9K from Boehringer Ingelheim to Matthew Walker, categorized as "Research". It was associated with Rybelsus. The payment was reported under the Sunshine Act (CMS Open Payments).
Does Matthew Walker accept pharmaceutical money?
Yes, Matthew Walker received this $50.9K payment from Boehringer Ingelheim. 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 research payment?
A research payment of $50.9K 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 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 Boehringer Ingelheim?
The payment amount is substantial, suggesting significant research involvement. This $50.9K research payment is part of the transparency data reported under the Sunshine Act.
Is this payment amount typical for Oncology?
The payment type is 'research', aligning with the drug's development phase.
What should patients do after learning about this payment?
If you are a patient involved in a clinical trial for Rybelsus, your doctor may receive research payments to support the study.
What else should I know about this research payment?
Rybelsus is a drug used for diabetes, but the recipient is an Oncologist, which is an interesting specialty match.
Related Reports
Data from CMS Open Payments. Payment does not imply wrongdoing. Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns.