Quote:
Originally Posted by golfing eagles
It's a beautiful day in the Villages, so I think I'll respond to this nonsense politely:
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
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.
All I can say is please don't get sick (physically)
I hope not
Someone got it right!!!!
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
Does not even rate a response
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I am not a physician, but worked with them my entire career...thousands of them. (No, I was not a drug rep.) GE is completely accurate with his comments.
I think there is one more thing to add though, unless I missed it, many physicians donate sample drugs to free clinics. These clinics, where docs donate their skills and time, typically provide care and drugs to those among us who could not otherwise afford them. I have seen physicians cajole drug reps into asking their companies for antibiotics and other medications so they can give them to the poor.
Keep in mind also that, for more expensive "gifts" like conferences, etc. physicians are required to file reports with the Feds. If you were a doc, would you like to lose your license or your ability to care for Medicare patients by crossing the Feds?
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