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

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session was a webinar discussion between Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez and Dr. Joseph Burris on physician-industry relationships in spasticity care. They explained how industry can support patient care through therapeutics, devices, education, clinical trials, real-world evidence, reimbursement guidance, and patient support resources. They also emphasized that these relationships must be handled ethically, transparently, and with the patient’s interests first.<br /><br />The speakers reviewed key risks, including subtle influence on prescribing, selective presentation of evidence, conflicts of interest, and legal concerns such as the anti-kickback statute, false claims issues, and disclosure requirements under CMS Open Payments. They shared data showing that most PM&R physicians receive little or no industry compensation, though a small minority receive substantial amounts.<br /><br />Practical guidance included how to interact with sales representatives, medical science liaisons, and research teams; how to evaluate sponsored education; how to structure advisory boards and consulting arrangements; and how to ask about copay assistance, prior authorizations, and access programs. They stressed that legitimate collaborations should have a clear purpose, written scope, fair-market compensation, institutional approval when needed, and meaningful deliverables.<br /><br />The webinar used case-based polls to discuss topics like promotional dinners, registry funding, and industry-sponsored training. Overall, the message was that physiatrists can and should engage with industry to advance spasticity care, but they must maintain independence, disclose relationships, and keep decisions grounded in evidence and patient goals.

Keywords

physician-industry relationships

spasticity care

ethics

transparency

patient interests

therapeutics

medical devices

clinical trials

real-world evidence

reimbursement guidance

conflicts of interest

anti-kickback statute

CMS Open Payments

medical science liaisons

advisory boards