The study also noted that more than 2,000 physicians were reported with investment interests, with $310 million invested and $447 million in total value of interest. Urologists, neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons were more likely to have ownership interests, according to the study.

Hattangadi-Gluth said the increase in transparency isn’t necessarily a bad thing for physicians.

“There are some studies that suggest that patients want their physicians more engaged with the companies making the drugs or the devices that are being used on them,” Hattangadi-Gluth said.

However, physicians should be aware of what the database shows, she said. The study authors plan to eventually look at whether the payments from manufacturers have impacted treatment decisions.

“I think it’s really important, now that the payment data is completely transparent, to try to see the context,” Hattangadi-Gluth said. “I think physicians see a value in this, too, because I think it’s important to know how our specialty is portrayed within the context of these data. I think it’s important for us to be aware that our nature of financial interaction is available.”

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