Non-research industry payments to pediatric otolaryngologists in 2018

Abstract

ObjectivesTo characterize non-research industry payments to pediatric otolaryngologists in 2018. Study designCenters for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments program was used to obtain all non-research industry payments to pediatric otolaryngology in 2018. Total payment amount information was obtained for years 2014–2017 for trend analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. ResultsThere were 1704 payments to pediatric otolaryngologists in 2018, totaling $163,716 with a median of $17.79. Of the total payments, 74.77% (1274 out of 1704) were under $50. Payments to 299 physicians were reported for 175 different products, the majority of which were associated with otitis media and sinus disease. The nature of the payments included 1579 ($57,120) towards food and beverage, 64 ($46,251) for travel and lodging, 29 ($39,688) for consulting services, 23 ($1075) for education, 4 ($7898) for royalty or license, and 5 ($11,684) for compensation for services such as serving as faculty or a speaker. ConclusionOur study is the first to investigate industry payments to pediatric otolaryngologists in 2018. Most of the payments were under $50 and mainly for food and beverage. The majority of payments were associated with otitis media and sinus disease.