An interesting bill was just introduced in Congress with the goal both of controlling prescription drug costs and improving care. The bill proposes a program to better educate medical professionals about prescription drugs – including training experts who would make house calls to doctor’s offices. Those of you who have been in medical waiting rooms with (usually attractive) pharmaceutical sales reps and their samples know where this idea is coming from.
It is part of an effort by the Prescription Project, a non profit (funded by the Pew Charitable Trust), the stated purpose of which is to eliminate conflicts of interest through education and policy change. Now, I wouldn’t argue that pharmaceutical sales reps should not help educate doctors. There is a legitimate role there much like the legitimate role many lobbyists play on Capitol Hill. But it is good to see these smaller efforts to effect change in the system in advance of the larger reform effort.
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