Can you believe this? The WSJ today reported that the US Government is actually thinking about creating their own "impartial" drug reps to come detail us in our offices about drugs. This is to counter the bias in the commercial drug reps that come to the office.
This makes my blood boil on several levels. First, this implies that I am too stupid to read about a medication and make my own decision on whether or not I will prescribe it. Secondly, with healthcare being in the very real financial crisis it is currently in, we don't need the government wasting more money to send someone to my office to waste more of my time. I guess they figure that the 7 minutes I have to see a patient to get my $20 payment is way too much time and I need to spend it doing something productive like listenting to the government. Next, who reading this believes the US Government is in any way, form or fashion impartial about anything? If you do, I have some cheap ocean front property to sell you in Nebraska.
Our practice has virtually banned drug reps as it is and it is really nice not having to pretend that you have any belief in what they are telling you. Now, the government is going to send out it's own brigade. That's just what we need. More protection from the government. I wonder how much that is going to cost the taxpayers? Also, I wonder how long it will be before they mandate we talk to these government-mandated reps?
Here are a couple of ideas. Instead of adding to the cost and bureacracy of this country, just fine the drug companies if they are not honest. I mean, the implication is that the government is saying that drug reps are out there bascially lying for their company. Pull any funding they may receive if they are found to be lying. Why not hold them accountable rather than making us suffer.
It is a slippery slope we are on towards Socialism and we are on the steepest angle heading for the finish line.
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