Despite concern about conflicts of interest, hospitals and physicians are still getting substantial funds from pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. Federal law now requires disclosure of consulting and speaking fees, grants, entertainment, travel and meals for health care providers.
These payments amounted to $3.5 billion in the last five months of 2013 according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. That amounts to $23 million dollars a day in financial ties that seem likely to influence providers’ judgment.
Even though that may be less than in years past, we still find it shocking and inappropriate. You will find lots more details on this situation at ProPublica’s website.
