Access to learner compensation data is coming too!

That same currently available partial disclosure of amounts also includes payments to learners from some companies that have started to voluntarily collect and report that data. Yes, it is possible that the "free CME" you received wasn't free after all and the cost to the pharma/device manufacturer is being reported to the Internet and thus able to be inspected by your patients and your affiliated organizations.

As mentioned, starting in 2012, pharma will be required to collect data regarding payments whether cash or in-kind transfers to all covered recipients (including all physicians) including:

• Food
• Entertainment
• Gifts
• Travel
• Any other transfer of value

And as mentioned, your patients or anyone with access to the Internet will be able to go online in September 2013 and see how much compensation you have received in terms of free meals, entertainment, and gifts. If you let pharma pay for pizza for your staff, the pizza cost will be listed under your name.

• Will you tell your patients the value you obtain from pharma/device manufacturers?
• If they searched themselves and asked you about it, what would you say?

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References

1. Physician Payment Sunshine provisions included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009 (H.R. 3590, section 6002)
2. Sah S, Loewenstein G. Effect of reminders of personal sacrifice and suggested rationalizations on residents' self-reported willingness to accept gifts: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2010 Sep 15;304(11):1204-11. http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/304/11/1204.full.pdf+html. Pubmed ID 20841534
3. Pew Prescription Project, Federal Reporting Requirements on Payments to Physicians: Impact on State Laws. November 2010. http://www.prescriptionproject.org/tools/initiatives_factsheets/files/Sunshine_State-Impact.pdf