[golfing eagles]

It's a beautiful day in the Villages, so I think I'll respond to this nonsense politely:

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

A while back I posted that doctors make $$ off writing scrips.

it was met with some debate.

Most Doctors Take Money From Drug, Device Companies

well take read here on the topic by NPR.org.

Actually, patients get cured by doctors writing scripts

Doctors Who Get More Drug-Company Cash Prescribe More Brand-Name Drugs : Shots - Health News : NPR




.

Originally Posted by Jima64

might be surprised at how many free samples are given out by doctors to get you to switch to a more favorable product. Speaking from personal experience.

Speaking from 10,000 times as much personal experience, patients are very happy to receive free samples, some even come to the office just to ask for them. I was happy to give them out, since they do no good sitting on a shelf. Did these samples influence my choice of medication---absolutely not. And what doctor wants to coerce a patient to switch drugs???? Very few, I would think. We are more interested in using meds that work for an individual

Originally Posted by goodtimesintv

My experience says this is B.S. Insurance companies always want to substitute the generic instead of the brand-name drug.

And if Medicare doesn't insist on the generic, then shame on those who drive it and want it that way.

This is an area that should be consumer driven anyway, to incentivize shopping for better price with one's own health savings account (HSA).

Most generics are just as good as branded drugs. Drugs that work by achieving a steady state level in the blood or tissue, however, are subject to variations in bioavailability. This can be accounted for, but unfortunately the retail pharmacies switch generic manufacturers as soon as they get a better price.
"Medicare" does not make drug recommendations, and beware of "consumer driven" when a great deal of expertise is required to make an informed decision.

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Ever notice while you are in the waiting room and a drug sales rep rep come in, they are ushered in on the spot while you wait?

they also bring food for all the staff?


So the drug dealers take priority over patients

All I can say is please don't get sick (physically)

Originally Posted by Chi-Town

Ever think that in some cases the drug sales rep is a front line educator to the doctors keeping them up to date on the latest treatments?

I hope not

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Sure a sales rep without a doctorate is going to teach a doctor.

you have to kidding right?

Surprisingly, there are physicians who don't keep up with their specialty journals or even spend 5 minutes a week reading the "Medical Letter", and thus rely on whatever the drug rep is spouting out



.

Originally Posted by goodtimesintv

If they're ushered in before patients doesn't mean they are meeting with the doctor.

All the doctors I know would much rather treat patients and send them on their way in good shape so
the dr. him/herself can go home after very long days and nights amidst suffering.

Someone got it right!!!!

Originally Posted by rubicon

I am surprise that so many people are surprised because RX sales people and doctors have been exchanging information for many years now. Indeed some doctors have invested in some of these companies. This arrangement isn't any different than any other industry where a sales people or vendors etc canvas for business.
The problem arises if a doctor or businessman makes quid pro quo arrangement that create conflicts of interests or breaches from fiduciary agents. I was a fiduciary and would not accept any favors or gifts sometimes not even a cup of coffee to spur if the appearance of a conflict of interest. A doctor guided by ethical standards and his/her conscience would confer with such RX sales people to get the best RX products for his patients

I agree. In our office, we did not meet with drug reps or allow them to bring in lunch. If they wanted to leave samples, they were free to do so--at reception

Originally Posted by manaboutown

Over the years I have met several women who were drug reps. They ALL were hot looking.

No kidding. These people are MARKETING. What does the person at the car rental counter look like compared to the person in the back office, or the cruise director compared to the janitor. With the exception of a few character actors, what do Hollywood stars look like, or top models. Did you expect anything different?


If a doctor's office owns a scanner such as a CT scanner they have to pay for and make money from the device. Studies have shown that patients seeing scanner owning physicians will get more scans, hence more irradiation and ultimately more cancers.

Does not even rate a response