government
Sunshine Act phone app available for physicians
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted July 29, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has launched smartphone applications that track payments and other transfers of value between the medical device or drug industries and physicians.
The two Open Payments mobile apps are designed for physician and industry users to track their financial ties under a transparency program created by the Affordable Care Act. Beginning Aug. 1, pharmaceutical and device manufacturers will begin collecting information for reporting to CMS the amounts of payments and gifts they make to doctors.
The agency is promoting the apps as part of an effort to meet tight deadlines for reporting requirements and for resolving any discrepancies. Information for consumers is expected to be publicly available in September 2014.
The apps are available on Apple iOS and Android platforms.