Comments on: Has the ban on doctors accepting drug company gifts gone too far?

By: j.

j. — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

Jennifer, you do seem to do all physicians a real disservice when you suggest that their training and expertise would not drive their prescription writing, but rather that they would stoop so low as to write the scripts just because that drug company happened to give him something to eat, a pen or a sticky note with thier drug name on it. Believe it or not your physician is reading what third party non-biased research is saying about what is best medicine, also taking into account that oatient’s individual’s intolerance to certain classes of medication, and interaction with their other medications. You are not talking about high school graduates who are easily swayed by popular opinion or flashy gifts.

Question: Do you feel the same about the lawyer who won a frivolous malpractice lawsuit who is flying around in his private jet, purchasing second and third homes, and running for president of the USA? (John Edwards). What about your health insurance company’s CEO who gets a billion dollars worth of stock options in his company???

They are just “good businessmen” right? They would not have any bias as to what their idea of “good medicine” should be, right? (dripping wtih sarcasm).

When you are 80 years old and have no Primary Care physician to look out for drug interactions, or monitor what all the prescriptions and tests the specialists are ordering, then just remember that because of the restrictions put on the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) at Boston this year it pulled out over 40 million dollars of support for that conference and it hurt their ability to serve their community of Family Physicians and because of restrictions such as these our brightest and best college students are going into less complicated fields,…..such as becoming a lawyer, or a politician…which are exempt from such restrictions.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:55:41 +0000

It’s not the food nor the post-it notes, it’s the constant reminders of the presence of product endorsements that upset consumers. If the companies gave out plain yellow post-its or nice pens with a shiny finish, it wouldn’t be an issue. It’s the “Viagra,” “Cymbalta,” “Lorestrogen” branded products that don’t save lives but merely serve to brand themselves into your consciousness as you prescribe those brands to your patients.

I am grateful for better living through chemistry and the pharmaceutical companies that provide me with such useful concoctions. I pay a lot for their products, but I’d rather my doctor consider all alternatives before writing a new prescription.

It makes me suspicious that a physician might treat me with something that is familiar or well-marketed rather than what is most appropriate from a range of useful medications. Patients want their physicians to be well-informed. Eat the tuna sandwich. Take the brochures. But get your own pens and post-it notes.

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:20 +0000

(Slapping my forehead) But of course, Dr. Kirsch!!! That IS where we are.

Tis a pity we are not in charge.

P.S. My comment above is supposed to read “I’m” not “I” at the beginning. See, this subject has me so upset I am losing language. lol

By: Michael Kirsch, M.D.

Michael Kirsch, M.D. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:40:21 +0000

Marie, the answer to your inquiry at the end of your post is the blogs, of course!

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:19:12 +0000

I starting to think the entire country is going insane.

Misdirected hysteria about health care reform.

Misdirected bans on ‘perks’ for physicians (like overdone chicken and cold string beans at a hotel conference is really going to corrupt someone!)

And then there is [shudder] Fox “News” with it’s rabid fear mongering.

Where are the voices of moderation and reason?

By: Ezrad Lionel

Ezrad Lionel — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:39:28 +0000

I know that everyone here understands the difference between bribes and a complimentary lunch. Please do not use the same slippery slope that spawned this disclaimer in your contributions to the topic.

By: David Deitsch, RN

David Deitsch, RN — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:15:02 +0000

Brilliant! I feel so safe and protected now from those big, bad, evil companies that have the (dare I use the word) audacity to sell products that keep people alive. The swine!

As for the sign, it reminded me of a sign that I once saw displayed (no doubt in obediance to state law) over a counter of fresh sushi. It read, “Warning! These products may contain raw fish!”

Yes, it feels so go to be protected like this. I think I’ll have a cookie and a nap now.

By: er doctor

er doctor — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:39:39 +0000

i think the problem with that sign is that it’s missing 47 other states. pharmaceutical companies should not try to influence physician prescribing habits. biotech should not be in charge of continuing medical education for physicians.

the same applies to government.

By: enrico

enrico — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:50:08 +0000

It says “refrain.” That sounds like plenty of wiggle room to me.

By: Doc99

Doc99 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:38:51 +0000

Doctors are like sheep … they make a lot of noise but no real resistance. If doctors had any backbone, the AMA would have said to Congress, “You First!” Doctors keep settling for a seat at the table, only to find out they’re the main course.