How Much Did Pharmaceutical Companies Pay Golden Valley Doctors?

Drug companies have paid Golden Valley doctors tens of thousands of dollars since 2009 as part of an effort to spread the word about their products, according to a ProPublica database updated last week.

The “Dollars for Docs” database represents $2 billion in disclosed payments from a total of 15 companies who cumulatively hold 47 percent of the industry’s market share.

The payments cover:

• Speaking fees
• Consulting fees
• Research
• Travel fees
• Meals
• Educational items or gifts
• Royalty or license fees

Pharmaceutical payments to physicians are not illegal, but critics say these payments turn doctors into sales reps, influence physicians’ prescription decisions and undermine trust in the health care system.

Backers counter that they provide important education on new drugs that benefits doctors and patients alike.

The ProPublica database likely understates the amount that doctors receive. Dozens of companies don’t publicize their payments to specific doctors. Most companies in the database are required to report because of legal settlements with the federal government.

Minnesota physicians received $26,502,825 of the total. The state also had one of the 22 doctors nationwide who have earned at least $500,000 from pharmaceuticals since 2009—Dr. Todd Hess, director of United Pain Center in St. Paul. ProPublica found 32 payments worth $542,900 from Eli Lilly, Forest, Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer.

Joseph Keenan was the biggest earner in Golden Valley. GlaxoSmithKline paid him $27,720 in 2012 and $50,325 in 2011 in speaking fees. The Minnesota Board of Medical Practice does not list a practice location for Keenan.

Use the widget above to find out what payments your doctor received. Then share your thoughts on what you find in the comments below.