1. Posted by mjc306 on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, 2:30 pm PST

This could not be more true. I worked as a drug rep for 10 years until my conscience got the better of me. Almost impossible to find a physician who doesn't see reps. Doctors will claim they provide them with valuable patient samples. Some physicians will only see reps who offer them valuable give aways, trips golft outings, dinner, (I have written proof of that) and many will only see if a rep if they bring lunch for the entire staff. No doubt this is costing the patients/taxpayers a bundle. Any politician who can put an end to this practice has my vote!

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2. Posted by Irishman on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, 3:44 pm PST

I have to agree with the good doctor on this issue. Drug reps make unbelievable salaries and the drug complanies they represent spend far too much money on TV ads, celebrity endorsers, magazine spreads, and assorted "junk" like pens and notepads. There must be some reason why our pharmaceuticals in the US are significantly more expensive otherwise busloads of seniors wouldn't routinely make the trip to Canada to buy meds. I wish we could stop the advertising altogether. Why do we need to advertise drugs??

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3. Posted by Leslie on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, 6:02 pm PST

What drug companies produce and sell albuterol? Nerdmom920@yahoo.com Please e-mail me.

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4. Posted by Rayne62067 on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, 9:21 pm PST

Doctors also get free trinkets for their office and homes such as, just to name a few, note pads, pens, clocks, and various small medical devices such as thermometers. Most are infulenced by the drug reps and also give them time above and before their paitents. Every one of us has been waiting past our appointment time in an over crowded office full of sleepiong old people and screaming children just to see a drug rep walk in the front door and be accepted back to the doctors office to discuss their companies latest products. Only after they are donw with the rep do they get back to seeing patients.

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5. Posted by jallenbray on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 3:36 am PST

SOUND LIKE THIS PERSON HAS SOME POLITICAL INTERESTS OF THEIR OWN.......

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6. Posted by Thomas on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 7:39 am PST

Most drug companies and hospitals have implemented severe restrictions these practices such as buying dinnners, giving presents, and product samples. This article is about 5 years too late. Most drug companies already adhere to the "Pharma Guidelines" which restrict them from 'lobbiest' activities. Additionally, drug reps provide valuable information on the clinical studies that are relevant to a physician's patient population and help physicians and clinicians keep up to date on an overwhelming amount of medical literature. Physician's have enough education and intelligence to filter the information and make the best choices for their patients.

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7. Posted by badboy on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 8:59 am PST

I am a pediatrician and have the same experience with drug reps as Dr. Needlman. Although we accept discount coupons and samples for our patients, and we allow the drug reps access into the office, we do not participate in dinners, lunches, and special favors that they might want to send our way. I would rather not have to deal with this system, but feel little power to change it. Thanks for you concise comments.

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8. Posted by S. R. David on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 11:18 am PST

I fully agree. My son was diagnosed wih Epilepsy and recently a brain tumor. I am a full time mom and it is my jo to look after my children even fro the doctors. Some might say I am a little pushy, but if you are not a advocate for your chilren who will be? We are in and out of dotors and hospitals from Tulsa to Memphis and I have seen with my own eyes how they work the doctors with their lunches and gifts. As I wait in the waiting room for 30 min after my appointment time, they call the drug rep in before they call the patients. We have a great HMO policy and great doctors but I have decline the offer of a couple of drugs for my son. Any time anyne perscribes him anything I do alot of research. Is this the drug for us? What are the side effects? Any reactions with our other Meds? And the doctors that hand out these samples because they have them from the reps dont really take a close look at all MY question before handing a sample. Now for just his seizure meds is 1500 a month without insurance, but it is a Med that medicare wont cover, Medicare seems to think that they are doctors and want to offer you altenative medicine that they will pay for, to the one that you have been sucesfully taking for over three years. I am so not bitter We are a happy family and we all realize that we have all good health, But as the CEO of this family it angers me when anyone in the Medical feild does not have the best intrest of my individual children as much as I do. I MEAN ARENT WE SUPPOSED TO TRUST THESE PEOPLE WITH OUR LIVES?

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9. Posted by John H on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 2:31 pm PST

In my opinion : Doctors should get only information from drug reps . Doctors should not get money or free goods or free services from drug reps . It is unethical for a doctor or a politician or a businessperson to receive money or goods or services from anyone he does business with , unless it is a legitimate transaction which is well documented , with the documentation easily available to the public . Thank you .

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10. Posted by usmcholbrook3521 on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 4:06 pm PST

I've actually heard conversation between two different drug reps in my doctors office talking about all of the new drugs they were pushing, developing and on the reverse, pulling because of poor performance. This article doesn't surprise me in the least, but to educate the public into doing something about it is futil because we live in a country where the rich get richer, the poor get poorer and the majority of Americans way of thinking is unless it affects me directly I'm not going to waste my time trying to fix anything.

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11. Posted by rkas339 on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 5:38 pm PST

Excellent article. My son has an appointment on Monday. I'm going to start asking the doctor some tough questions.

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12. Posted by Scott on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 6:12 pm PST

Pretty ambigous comments. As a former pediatric vaccine representative, I know how hard it is to get 5 seconds of a Doctors time (unfortunately due to big pharma's over use of sales persons). A lot of offices told me, if you want to see a doctor, you have to bring lunch. Sad. It takes two to tango.

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13. Posted by Scott on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 6:12 pm PST

Pretty ambigous comments. As a former pediatric vaccine representative, I know how hard it is to get 5 seconds of a Doctors time (unfortunately due to big pharma's over use of sales persons). A lot of offices told me, if you want to see a doctor, you have to bring lunch. Sad. It takes two to tango.

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14. Posted by kirklahaina on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 6:53 pm PST

Duh I've seen this burning for decades, and hold on to the best medication known to the doctors. The ability of the human body, to heal itself. KHI

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15. Posted by oklahomamickey on Sat, Mar 01, 2008, 7:52 pm PST

When I notice drug reps in the doctors office, I inwardly do get angry. I recently had learned that some doctors are rewarded by these companies when prescribing these drugs! True? I sure would be believe it is. As much as I resent the multitude of drug commercials on TV, I do dislike seeing drug reps in any doctor's office. Yes, indeed, they are lobbyists, and it's plain disgusting.

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