The physician patient relationship today is much different than it was just a few years ago. It seems the patient now suggests to their physician the type of medication they would like to be prescribed for their ailment. This seems to be a somewhat unorthodox approach.
Are Our Physician's Being Coaxed ?
I guess the trend started when our government, i.e., the FDA began letting the drug manufacturers advertise their own products on TV in the late '90s. This enabled them to push their more costly products( or whichever they chose ) and use methods that suggested to the viewing public to sway their doctors to prescribe what had been advertised on the TV commercial. Is this an ethical approach ? That seems to change the total purpose of your family doctor. Only a few years ago, it was not heard of that a patient would be the deciding factor as to which medication would be prescribed for their illness or other problem they might have. It is just hoped that congress legislates the needed powers to the FDA that will begin to reverse what many consumers consider a highly controversial or at least questionable practice. It is becoming a threat to those consumers that need medical attention. This practice by the some pharmaceutical companies also undermines the years of study our doctors go through to receive their well earned degree to practice their art.
Is This A Global Practice
The answer is an abrupt, No ! It is believed that the U.S. is the no.1, though New Zealand has been following similar ways, but it certainly doesn't make it ethical and the consumer is the one who suffers. One way to reverse the trend here in the U.S. for those of us who may wish to complain is for the consumer to communicate with their congressmen, by letter, phone or email. When there are enough complaints that reach their congressman's desk, there should be the beginning of change. Of course, if there are no complaints to the legislature, there will not be any change.
Why this new approach by some pharmaceuticals ?
Well, when any advertiser can capture the airwaves by placing critical ads, properly placed and directed to sell a product, advertising to the consumer can become very profitable. Of course, to do this, you must have the needed capital, which most pharmaceutical companies certainly have no lack of. Certainly, selling more of their products must be the obvious intent, since the gross yearly sales of some of the largest pharmaceutical companies are extremely high and that is the way to remain in business. Most of us hope that the original doctor's directive of prescription origination will return, but this still remains to be seen.
