Study Finds that Rheumatologists’ Prescribing Habits Influenced by Pharma Payments for Food and Drink

February 16, 2022

A new study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that payments for food and drinks from drug companies were associated with an increased likelihood that a rheumatologist would prescribe the respective company’s drug by 1.5% to 4.5%, increasing medicare spending by 3% to 23%. The effect of consulting fees was weaker, increasing prescribing by 1.2% to 1.6% and medicare spending by 1% to 2%.

According to Ed Silverman of STAT News, “Looked at another way, for every $100 in food and beverage payments, the probability of prescribing rose from 1.5% to 14% for most drugs and Medicare reimbursements increased 6% to 44% for most drugs. And for every $1,000 in consulting fees, the probability of prescribing rose 5% or less for most drugs and Medicare reimbursements increased less than 10% for most drugs.”