is maintained by the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and it keeps track of financial interactions between physicians and “drug and medical device manufacturers” that exceed $10 in value. This can include free food at sponsored seminars, consulting fees, payments for conducting research, or investment stakes in such companies.
Out of curiosity, I looked up my own profile. Between 2016 and 2023, I received a total of $26.66 in the form of two free educational lunches sponsored by drug companies . If I ever resume practice in California, I am completely prepared to disclose this information to my patients. I fully understand the intent of the database and the California notification law. In theory, this information can help patients know if their physician’s treatment decisions might be unduly influenced by a financial relationship with a drug company or medical device company. For instance, if a physician consistently prescribes a particular pricy medication and he or she also receives a large consulting fee for lecturing on behalf of the manufacturer, a patient might want to ask a few questions.
However, the mere existence of a financial relationship between a doctor and a pharmaceutical/medical device company does not automatically imply unethical behavior. For example, I know of orthopedic surgeons who consult closely with manufacturers of artificial hip hardware to devise ways to improve the longevity and safety of the hardware.