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Are pharmaceutical freebies for doctors on the way out?

Physician Practice Advisor, July 19, 2005

A growing number of doctors and hospitals say that the free stuff associated with visits by pharmaceutical salespeople-ranging from free lunches to samples of brand-name drugs-is driving up healthcare costs. They say such largesse entices doctors and patients to choose more expensive name-brand medications.

The Detroit Free Press reports that to curb this trend, a nationwide movement has begun to implement strict rules that prescribe when and how drug salespeople can hawk their wares. At the University of Michigan Health System, for instance, drug representatives cannot visit without an appointment, and doctors cannot accept their freebies. End result: a boost in generic drug use and stable inpatient drug costs at a time when nationwide drug costs are skyrocketing.

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