Healthcare.Gov Contractor Is Also Assembling The Sunshine Site

For all those concerned with getting their houses in order now that the Sunshine Act has become reality, here is an interesting tidbit. The same primary contractor that was hired to assemble the problematic web site for the new health insurance marketplace was also retained this past summer to create the software platform for the new Open Payments web site, according to Healthy Buzz. This web site, for those who may not recall, is supposed to be a repository where payments over $10 made to physicians by drug and device makers, as well as group purchasing organizations, can be accessed by the public. The posting process is expected to begin in September 2014 and will include all ownership or investment interests held by a doctor or family member. The idea was conceived in response to concerns that financial relationships may unduly influence medical practice or research. The payments web site is supposed to create the first comprehensive database and make it not only easily accessible, but also present the data in such a way so that comparisons can also be made (back story). However, there have been concerns that the deadline may be optimistic, because of the amount of time that physicians have to review and contest transparency reports. They are given at least 45 days for review and if a dispute cannot be resolved, physicians and manufacturers are given another 15 days before a report is made public to find a solution (read the procedures here). In other words, the suggestion...
Source: Pharmalot - Category: Pharma Commentators Authors: Source Type: blogs