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

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