Espinal, Mariana

INTRODUCTION: Study Objective: To determine the payments made to Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OBGYNs) compared to other surgical specialties by the makers of the Da Vinci robot-Intuitive Surgical, Inc. in 2014. METHODS: Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study (Canadian Task force classification- II-3). Setting: Payments to OBGYNs in the United States compared to the total Intuitive Surgical payment amount in each state as analyzed from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’ Open Payments website. Subjects: General OBGYNs, OBGYN subspecialists (Gynecologic Oncology, Reproductive Endocrinology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecology), and providers in other specialties nationwide. Interventions: Compare Intuitive Surgical Inc. payments to OBGYNs versus other surgical specialties as analyzed from publicly available CMS Open Payments database. RESULTS: A total of 50 states received money from Intuitive Surgical Inc. in 2014. Payments to general OBGYNs totaled $5,061,439, OBGYN subspecialties received $1,591,556, and other surgical specialties that use the Da Vinci platform received $33,011,657. Total payments per state can be represented in a map diagram. The state of Texas got the highest amount. Payments to OBGYNs divided by total payments in each state can be depicted in a similar fashion, Wyoming state had the highest value. CONCLUSION: OBGYNs received a significant proportion of funding from Intuitive Surgical Inc. as compared to other surgical specialties in 2014. We recommend that OBGYNs update or declare any conflicts when required.