Spasticity in Focus, Expert Conversations in PM&R: Physician and Industry Interactions and Relationships in Spasticity Care-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on physician-industry relationships in spasticity care, led by Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez and Dr. Joseph Burris. It began with AAPM&R housekeeping, including recording notices, professionalism guidelines, and resources for the spasticity member community.<br /><br />The speakers discussed the benefits and risks of working with industry. Potential benefits include education, clinical trial support, real-world evidence, patient assistance programs, reimbursement guidance, and hands-on training with devices and therapies such as botulinum toxins and intrathecal pumps. They emphasized that industry can help improve access and care delivery, especially when clinicians need practical support for documentation, prior authorization, and clinic workflow.<br /><br />Risks included subtle influence on prescribing, selective presentation of data, conflicts of interest, and legal exposure. The presenters reviewed transparency requirements such as CMS Open Payments, institutional disclosure policies, and compliance with anti-kickback and false claims laws. They also highlighted that most physiatrists receive little or no reportable industry payment, though a small number receive much larger sums.<br /><br />Best practices included maintaining independent clinical judgment, ensuring proportional and legitimate compensation, verifying claims independently, and keeping patient needs central. For research collaborations, they encouraged engagement with medical science liaisons, investigator-initiated studies, registries, advisory boards, and clinical trial participation, while avoiding vague or overly promotional arrangements.<br /><br />Interactive cases covered branded dinner programs, registry contracts, and training opportunities, illustrating how to assess whether to participate. The session closed with advice on how new physicians can connect with local reps and therapy centers to improve access and build spasticity programs ethically.

Keywords

physician-industry relationships

spasticity care

AAPM&R

Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez

Dr. Joseph Burris

botulinum toxins

intrathecal pumps

clinical trials

industry transparency

CMS Open Payments

conflict of interest

anti-kickback law

false claims law

medical science liaisons

patient access