Although doctors don't get money directly from drug companies, they do get indirect compensation. Like inviting their families for a free weekend getaway while holding meetings about the drugs that the companies make. My girlfriend's sister is a doctor, and a drug company totally paid for a weekend ski vacation. Doctors always claim that these gifts don't affect their judgement, but I'm not so sure. Of course, the costs of these gifts get passed down to the consumer and the health insurance company. I work for a brokerage firm, and NASD rules state that I cannot accept a gift of more than $100.00 as it may affect and influence my judgement. Am I to believe that doctors have better judgement and more immunity to influence than I do? I think not!
Years ago, I was between jobs and didn't have health insurance. I picked up a nasty infection, and paid for the visit out of my own pocket. I paid cash, and asked for a discount. The clinic refused my request. I pointed out that a health insurance company only paid the clinic $40.00 for a visit that cost me $75.00. They said that since the insurance bought services in bulk they got a discount while I didn't. To make things worse, the antibiotics perscribed were well over $150.00. I explained to the pharmacist that I was tight for cash, and asked for something cheaper. He contacted the doctor, and got me a cheaper substitute that worked just as well for less than half the price. That pharmacy won my business and I still go there.
I'm not sure that doctors make a point to perscribe the least expensive effective meds. They have no reason to. After all, they don't have to pay for it. My prostate drug, Uroxatral, costs me $75 for a three month supply. It works well. I asked the pharmacist about what it would cost without insurance, and it would have been over $300.00 for a three month supply. I have a good job and can afford it, but I also wonder if something cheaper may work better.
