Patients Wary of Doctors' Relationships
An interesting excerpt from the end of this article that discusses how people who are taking on average 4 prescribed medications at the one time, are of the belief that their doctor's prescribing habits are influenced by drug company favours, says that:
Kassirer said physicians can avoid being on speakers' bureaus, and discourage pharmaceutical representatives from coming into offices bearing free lunches and free samples. They should also "eliminate all evidence of pharma largess from their offices -- no pens, no pads, none of that."
He also cautioned that it's up to patients "to be alert to these things."
Wexler added that it's "reasonable for patients to ask their physicians what, if any, arrangements they have with outside vendors, and what that relationship is."
"If the physician will not discuss it," Wexler said, "then it is time to find another physician."
While this is a good thing to suggest and it is always a matter of buyer beware, the fact is the government regulations have enabled drug companies to corrupt doctors who, after all, are only human. It should not be up to the patient to ensure that their doctor is honest - any more then it should be up to the crime victim to ensure that the police officer is on their side instead of the criminal's or for the defendant in court to ensure that the judge isn't taking a quick under-the-table bribe to throw their case. These are crimes just like a doctor taking money or gifts from a drug company should be a crime.
Until we stop ALL gifts, honoraria, lunches, dinners, weekends...you name it - from drug companies to doctors, patients will continue to worry if they drugs they are being prescribed are really needed for their health or are perhaps more necessary to improve their doctor's bottom line.