Government spotlight on physicians' consulting arrangements with device makers.

A new government focus on investigating physicians' consulting agreements and other financial arrangements with device manufacturers has been announced. Physicians would be well advised to prepare for investigations by reviewing any agreements they have and assembling all related documents. This article outlines additional steps that will assist a physician in preparing for a government investigation. These include notifying key employees, engaging counsel, developing a legal strategy, submitting a "white paper" response to the government, and realistically assessing a settlement position.