(1108) Relationship between Industry Funding and Laryngologists

Introduction: Financial relationships between physicians and industry may influence practice and research. These relationships have been explored within the field of otolaryngology, but the industry payments in laryngology have not been fully described. This study aims to characterize the prevalence, type, and recipient demographics of industry payments to laryngologists.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of payments to laryngologists in 2023 and 2024 was conducted using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments Database. Payments were categorized as food and beverage versus non-food and beverage (consulting fees, travel and lodging, honoraria, etc). Demographics including gender, age, board certification year, and region were collected for each recipient.

Results: A total of 38 laryngologists received industry funding. Majority of payments were food and beverage payments (94.7%). Non-food and beverage payments were less common (15.8%). Consulting fees were received by 4 laryngologists (3 male, 1 female; ages 40–59), travel and lodging by 2 (1 male, 1 female; ages 40–49), and honoraria by 1 male laryngologist (age 40–49). Recipients spanned multiple regions and board certification years.

Conclusions: Nearly all laryngologists received food and beverage payments, but non-food payments were infrequent. Compared with subspecialities like rhinology or otology, where substantial industry payments are more common, laryngology showed relatively limited non-food industry involvement.