Obstetrics and gynecology ranked seventh in total number of payments made to single specialty
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 2016 (HealthDay News) — In 2014, obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) received substantial payments from industry, according to a study published in the February issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Nicole M. Tierney, M.D., from the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues conducted a retrospective study to review all 2014 non-research payments to ob-gyns. Payments were compared with those in other specialties as well as subspecialties within obstetrics and gynecology.
The researchers found that payments to ob-gyns totaled $60,004,472 to 29,783 physician recipients (3.3 percent of the total value transferred in 2014). Half of these payments were for royalties and licensing. In the total number of payments made to a single specialty, obstetrics and gynecology ranked seventh (311,485 payments). In terms of the highest median payment, obstetrics and gynecology was 20th out of 35 specialties ($140). The leading payer to ob-gyns was Medtronic USA, Inc.
“Ob-gyns are listed as having received substantial payments from industry in 2014,” the authors write. “Because this information is [publicly] available, we suggest physicians become familiar with payment data and the correction process, keep independent records, and register for updates to most effectively manage perceived, or real, conflicts of interest.”
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