Opinion: We need more signal and less noise about industry payments to doctors
How much drug companies pay doctors for meals, giving talks, and serving on corporate boards was once as opaque as how these companies now price prescription drugs. That changed several years ago with the creation of the Open Payments program, which makes this information publicly available.
In an unsuspecting twist, this transparency program, which was meant to bolster trust, has actually decreased patients’ trust in their physicians, even those who have never taken a nickel from pharmaceutical companies.
My colleagues and I think this unintended consequence presents a marketing opportunity for astute physicians with no ties to drug and device companies.
A bit of background: Policymakers have long been concerned that the payments drug and device firms make to doctors can influence clinical decisions in ways that aren’t good for patients. (part of the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010) mandated public reporting of these industry payments through its Open Payments program so patients would be better informed about their physicians.
