Hospitals Tackle Pharma Reps
Last year some university hospitals have started tackling the influence of pharmaceutical company representatives. Often times, pharmaceutical reps provide free lunches and other goodies in order to attract physicians and promote new and/or existing drug therapy. New drugs and/or non-formulary drugs can be very costly to the hospital and may not be the most appropriate choice for the patient.
According to the Wausau Daily Herald, some central Wisconsin hospitals are now adopting stricter policies that limit the access for pharmaceutical company representatives too. Pharmaceutical representatives visiting Aspirus Wausau Hospital must schedule appointments and can only discuss drugs or equipment currently in use. In addition, freebies are limited to those items with minimal value.
February 28, 2007 Related topics: Policies & Procedures, Pharmaceuticals