How to find out if your doctor receives perks or payments from drug companies

He says it’s sometimes subtle. Often blatant. In his words, “They’re always there. Like roaches.”

That quote comes from a friend a mine…a surgeon. And he’s talking about drug company reps.

Unfortunately, too many doctors don’t mind this industry attention. Some count on it.

So where does your doctor fall on that scale?

Now you can find out. Just check the Dollars for Docs webpage (projects.propublica.org).

The editors of ProPublica, an independent newsroom, have investigated public records supplied by 15 drug companies. Their database accounts for about $2 billion in disclosed payments to doctors. These payments range from meals to research grants.

So… Have you ever wondered if your doctor is pressing you just a little too hard to take a certain drug?

If so, maybe he has extra motivation. Now you can find out.

One note… Even though some of the 15 reporting companies are giants (Pfizer, Merck, Lilly), their combined sales represent less than half of the total sales of the drug industry. So a lot of dollars for docs are not yet accounted for.

But it’s a start.

Sources:
“Dollars for Docs” ProPublica, 3/11/13, projects.propublica.org