Hey, this knocked me off my chair.
Some extraordinarily sane doctors and hospitals are itching to rid the profession of the malignant influence of the high-tech, snake-oil salesman -- Big Pharma Reps and their poisonous wares.
The Puget Sound Health Alliance, consisting of 100 members such as the Boeing Co., Puget Sound Energy, Washington Mutual Inc. and Starbucks Corp. (the big boys of Seattle!), wants to BAN DRUG SAMPLES.
Said Dr. Ralph Rossi, president of The Polyclinic in Seattle, "We encourage doctors to get the latest information about effectiveness of brand-name and generic drugs from unbiased sources with no vested interest in treatment decisions other than good health outcomes."
Wow. Nice subtle smackdown of the peddlers! We salute Dr. Rossi as a fount of wisdom and sanity. If you are Sleepless in Seattle, go get some Ambien from that fellow! But what's the response from Big Pharma, you might ask?
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a drug company trade group based in Washington, D.C., deplored the alliance's position. "It's very bad policy," said Scott Lassman, the trade group's assistant general counsel.
What a Tool!!!
Costs have fallen as doctors prescribe more generic drugs, and patients have saved on co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses, she said. "We estimate we save our commercial health plans $18 million compared to their (doctor) network average on prescription costs," she said.
This is a great first step in reigning in the High-Tech Pushers and, sarcasm and snark aside, we think this is a constructive, progressive step in the right direction to cure some of what ills the health-care industry.
This is good news.
Hank! Wait!
It is best to endure sleepless nights in Seattle until October when Ambien becomes available as a generic. ;)
Hal
Posted by: Harold Lloyd - Thespian | June 05, 2006 at 04:21 PM
Harold Lloyd has uttered a witty remark -- and, therefore, we waive all of his entrance fees to this esteemed club!
HB
Posted by: HankBarnes | June 05, 2006 at 04:37 PM