Trends in Industry-Sponsored Research Payments and General Payments to Neurologists: Open Payments Program 2015-2023

The aim of this study was to characterize trends in industry-sponsored research payments (ISRPs) and general payments to neurologists.

Payments to neurologists from 2015 to 2023 were examined using the Open Payments Program database. Primary outcomes were ISRPs and general payments to covered entities and noncovered entities (NCEs), with a neurologist principal investigator (PI) adjusted to 2023 USD. Payments to multiple PIs were attributed to the primary PI. Trends were tested using linear models.

From 2015 to 2023, there were $2.8 billion of ISRPs, around 80% of which went to NCEs where a neurologist was a PI, and $1 billion of general payments. The median general payment value per physician has decreased by $26 per year (95% CI -$42 to -$10; p < 0.01), and the maximum payment per physician has increased by $1.57 million per year (95% CI $0.69-$2.43 million; p < 0.01).

This study found that most of the ISRPs are paid to NCEs where a neurologist was a PI instead of a covered entity, which opacifies the industry-neurology relationship and highlights the need for increased transparency. The median general payment to a neurologist decreased over time; however, the maximum payment increased, suggesting a consolidation of funding to fewer neurologists who are paid the most by industry.