Payments to Pediatricians in the Sunshine Act.

Under the Sunshine Act, pharmaceutical and product industry payments to physicians are reported in a public database. We sought to characterize payments received by pediatricians in the first full year of disclosures in 2014. We used the National Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment files to identify pediatricians who received payments. Payment characteristics were stratified, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed, including mean, median, and ranges of payments. Between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014, 35 697 pediatricians received payments amounting to $30 031 960. General pediatricians received the majority of payments (71%). Median payment was $15 (interquartile range = $12-$24), mostly in the form of noncash items and services (84%). Significant diversity was observed in median payments among specialty providers. In conclusion, 42% of US pediatricians received industry payments in 2014. These data provide a foundation for future research regarding the influence of the Sunshine Act on pediatric clinical practices.