More than half of physicians are in the dark about the Sunshine Act: They don't know it requires pharmaceutical and medical device companies to report payments to physicians annually and that this information will be publicly available in a database, according to a survey from MMIS, a global technology company.
Although CMS released the final rule for the Sunshine Act Feb. 1, the survey found physicians' understanding of the Affordable Care Act provision is less informed than it was one year ago. This year's survey results reflect a 5 percent increase in unfamiliarity with the law's provisions by physicians in all types of care locations, from teaching hospitals to private practices, according to the release.
Of more than 1,000 physician respondents, more than half did not know about the annual reporting procedure for any transfer of value between manufacturers and physicians, and that this information would be made public. The survey also found 63 percent of physicians were "deeply concerned" about the publicly searchable database and 43 percent of physicians said this would affect their ongoing relationship with manufacturers.
More than half of the physician respondents who had industry relationships received samples, food or beverages in the workplace. Two percent were still accepting free event tickets or gifts, according the release.
Study: Oncologists Most Restrictive of Pharma Sales Rep Visits
Sunshine Act May Not Be So Bright: Why Hospitals, Physicians Are Concerned
Although CMS released the final rule for the Sunshine Act Feb. 1, the survey found physicians' understanding of the Affordable Care Act provision is less informed than it was one year ago. This year's survey results reflect a 5 percent increase in unfamiliarity with the law's provisions by physicians in all types of care locations, from teaching hospitals to private practices, according to the release.
Of more than 1,000 physician respondents, more than half did not know about the annual reporting procedure for any transfer of value between manufacturers and physicians, and that this information would be made public. The survey also found 63 percent of physicians were "deeply concerned" about the publicly searchable database and 43 percent of physicians said this would affect their ongoing relationship with manufacturers.
More than half of the physician respondents who had industry relationships received samples, food or beverages in the workplace. Two percent were still accepting free event tickets or gifts, according the release.
More Articles on the Sunshine Act:
CMS Releases Sunshine Act Final RuleStudy: Oncologists Most Restrictive of Pharma Sales Rep Visits
Sunshine Act May Not Be So Bright: Why Hospitals, Physicians Are Concerned