Orthopedic surgeons account for a large portion of the physicians in Massachusetts who have financial relationships with the medical device and manufacturing industry, according to a Massachusetts Business Journal report.
Here are four things to know:
1. Orthopedic hip devices were associated with $33 million payments in Massachusetts last year.
2. The physicians have financial relationships with device companies for several reasons, including device innovation, testing and development to make sure the devices are safe. Orthopedic devices in particular require "hands-on training" with travel costs and input from physicians.
3. The top 25 physicians receiving payments from industry include seven who work at Massachusetts General Hospital, four at Brigham and Women's Hospital and four at New England Baptist Hospital, all in Boston.
4. The top payment for a pharmaceutical company was for the weight loss drug Belviq, which included $6 million to Massachusetts clinicians.