You Have to Wonder

I was on line early this morning and checking the Smith Nephew, DePuy, Zimmer and Stryker websites.  These are medical device makers – like knees, hips – and due to a settlement must post their payments to physicians on their website.  Although good luck finding the material on Stryker’s web site.  I think it is hidden behind euphemisms.  At the Smith & Nephew web site I did run across a  CT doctor.  Dr. Kennan in Middletown was paid over $23,000.  What for?  If these postings are supposed to provide transparency, first of all the consumer has to be able to easily access the information.  Secondly I want to know what these doctors were paid for – attending a winter conference in Aspen? or perhaps a conference at the Breakers in Florida?

Isn’t anyone paying attention?