MA maybe doing something FOR consumers?

In an article by Jacob Goldstein is a new MA proposal that is a step in the right direction: A ban on freebies for doctors from the drug industry, proposed in a bill submitted by MA State Senator, Therese Murray. (http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/03/04/massachusetts-may-ban-drug-industry-freebies-for-docs/?mod=WSJBlog#comment-141631)

*This proposal is good because it first and foremost recognizes that as stakeholders in the health industry, earning their livings from the same, physicians cannot continue to be excluded from their role in the health crisis. Nobody can argue that physicians have not tried to maximize profit, they earn their livings from health services. While not a bad thing, physicians have become active participants in working our current system. Freebies from drug companies are part of it. In addition to giving away some of their free samples, physicians use free samples for their personal and familial uses as well. While not illegal and under this proposed reform such action will not become illegal, getting something for nothing for physicians like any other economic freebie impacts the cost of such medications for paying people.

*This issue is not part of a mean-spirited MA state legislator, this is a problem that was addressed by the AMA itself in its own ethical opinions (see: http://conoutofconsumer.blogspot.com/2007/12/seasons-of-giving-ethics-and-doctors.html)

*Physicians are part of the problem and are also going to be part of the solution, just like consumers, politicians and health insurance companies. If deference for their education (relevant in treatment not in greed), if fear that they won't practice (oh well, doesn't really matter that there are Rolls Royce's available for purchase if you can't afford one, doesn't really change our lives if we can't afford treatment), if some higher ethical standard is applied to them (then why are national and state medical associations among the biggest lobbyist participants in government?), blinds consumers then we have left huge contributors to our problems as untouchable. Physicians are people, some with great skill and honor others with less skill and honor, most if not all drawing a paycheck for what they do. They must be touchable because the rising costs of their services whether it is to increase their profits, cover their butts (defensive medical costs), or to finance their purchases of equipment, is a serious part of the health services problem.

*Physician freebies from pharmaceutical companies is negative for consumers. First, it stops the physician lobbyists from pushing for quality generic equivalents, you don't bite the hand that feeds you. It also compromises the use of all that medical training and know how in doing research for themselves in the form of responsible continuing education that addresses developments in the pharmaceutical industry. For anyone who was prescribed VYTORIN, did you get a refund now that it's come out that the drug is highly ineffective? Is there any consequence for this let's give it a try attitude towards drugs by doctors and pharmaceutical companies? Where is the awe when physicians scurry to blame the big mean pharmaceutical companies for telling them it was okay to prescribe drugs, where is the we know best approach when they take off their white coats and whine that the FDA told them drugs were okay, where is the dignity of arguing that all people should have health insurance so that they can get paid? Physicians are people doing a job and seeking a wage...it's not a bad thing, it makes them part of the problem and part of the solution for the health services crisis.

*Therese Murray is on track. Physician contribution to the health services crisis is not untouchable, it is a necessary part of emerging changes in the health services industry. Hopefully it's just the beginning.