After having my bone marrow sucked dry by my first onslaught of patients this a.m. I met with three drug reps, 2 women and their boss, a man, over lunch and I have to say got my battery recharged after a quick but nice lunch and a conversation that addressed the issue on this thread.
I suggested the formation of a "red easy button", like the staples button, any time my nurse gets a denial fax or phone call for a branded drug. She hits the button and magically the branded drug is approved without any hassle. I do not think it is appropriate or fair to have my nurse spend a half hour on the phone to get the branded drug approved, and there has to be an alternative to fight the bullying of the insurance companies imposing their will over our decision making.
After more thought and introspection-- I really like having actual live human beings to discuss my concerns with as it pertains to their particular drug. I like having samples available so I can delegate it to those I choose, and for now will continue to meet with drug reps, even for all the arguments that can be made against doing so, it is nice to be catered to and listened to, and maybe overtime some of the power in medical decision making can be reestablished (probably wishful thinking).
I think for all the shortcomings of big pharma, that excluding the drug reps in the office will have more negative effects than positive at this time, for my style of practice.
But that is what makes America the best place to live and practice.
