Boston-based Harvard Medical School researchers analyzed the connection between physician payments and higher rates of brand-name drug prescribing, according to ProPublica.
JAMA Internal Medicine published the study.
Here are five points:
1. The study found industry payments to Massachusetts physicians correlated with higher brand-name drug prescriptions for high cholesterol.
2. A physician's brand-name statin prescribing rate increased 0.1 percent for every $1,000 in industry payment.
3. Brand-name statins exceed generics cost by two to four times.
4. The researchers clarified many factors impact the brand-name prescribing rates, and they are not suggesting a causal relationship.
5. The study authors hope the results will push for reduced industry influence.