The latest debate on knee and hip replacements and their contributions to physicians and hospitals...$200 million paid out this year and some manufacturers are changing the way they interact with physicians as a result..BD
MINNEAPOLIS - The hips and knees are synthetic, but it's real money changing hands. Five makers of
artificial joints have paid more than $200 million this year to doctors and hospitals, often the same ones who are deciding which company's joints to buy, according to an Associated Press calculation of disclosures required this week by a settlement with federal prosecutors.
The settlements with the companies include a limit of $500 per hour for consulting services. Companies that want to pay more must get a third-party evaluation of a fair price for the consulting. Zimmer Holdings, the biggest maker of artificial hips and knees, paid the most to doctors — $85.8 million, according to the disclosure made on its Web site on Wednesday. DePuy paid $48.8 million, Stryker paid $27.8 million, Biomet paid $19.6 million, and Smith & Nephew paid $19.3 million."The amazing thing is each doctor who is involved believes with a totally pure heart that they are immune. So the influence is silent," she said. "But we know that it affects their judgment."
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