WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for July, 2003: Re: END THIS THREAD Drug reps in the exam room

Re: END THIS THREAD Drug reps in the exam room

From: Pam (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 30 Jul 2003 07:43:52 -0500 (CDT)

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At Tue, 29 Jul 2003, Lea Harth, wrote: >
>Okay - everyone agrees that drug reps (salesmen/saleswomen) really have
>no place being in an exam room unless there is a really specific reason
>and the doctor and patient both agree on this.
>
>I can only think of one instance when a drug rep would have any interest
>in sitting in on an exam and that would be if he/she is researching
>patient reaction to whatever drug he/she is representing. Perhaps doing
>follow-ups on reports of side-effects or effectiveness of treatment,
>etc. Other than that, and that is really kinda reaching, as I think a
>survey of both doctor and patient opinion would probably be more
>appropriate.
>
>Everyone also agrees that patients should be more willing to speak up
>for themselves. Remember, you are the patient, the doctor is the doctor
>but you are the consumer. You are entitled to be treated with respect
>and dignity as well as medical expertise and if you do not feel that is
>what you are receiving then you are well within your rights as a
>consumer to seek that level of care elsewhere.
>
>So - please drop this thread and let some new topics come into focus.
>
>Thank you!!
>
>--
>Lea Harth, Managing Editor
>OBGYN.net

>Sorry, Lea, I must comment further before dropping it. A someone in the medical profession, you should be aware that there is NO reason whatsoever for the pharmaceutical representative to be in the exam room with a patient. This issue is now the focus of a CRIMINAL and civil suit by the U.S. Attorney is Boston. Patients had no idea that the doctor was benefiting financially from the arrangement. Also, the salesman is NOT there to conducting research. They are there to persuade the doctor to prescribe THEIR drug, not the one the patient is on, which very often is manufactured by a different company that the salesman represents. I think if you research this, you will find that these are the facts.

Several medical groups have called this practice unethical whether the patient consents or not. I believe the AMA also nows includes this as part of its ethical guidelines. There will be no need for patients to have to seek care elsewhere because this unconscionable practice will be illegal.

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