Doctors and Vitamins Flashcards
Which of the following vitamins shows evidence-based improvement to a patient?
Vitamin E
Vitamin A (carotene)
Folic Acid
Only folic acid & only for pregnant women
Which of the following vitamins shows evidence-based improvement to a patient?
Vitamin E
Vitamin A (carotene)
Folic Acid
Only folic acid & only for pregnant women
T/F Doctors are prevented from selling prescription drugs or vitamins from their office.
False. They are only prevented from selling prescription drugs. They can sell vitamins, which most patients don’t need.
What are the issues behind giving patients drug samples?
issue b/c only get samples of brand name drugs…then the patient expects this expensive drug that may not be better for them. doctors sometimes get lazy in changing the dosage.
What is the Sunshine Act?
act passed by Congress
pharmaceutical companies have to reveal which physicians hold dinner parties for them to sell their product (which they are paid for).
Now, fewer physicians want to do these talks.
Do insurance companies pay for alternative therapies, like for chronic fatigue syndrome?
NO. That is why it is appealing for physicians who want to make money.
T/F 40% of current pharmaceuticals have origins in plant sources!
True. But you still need to be careful that the herbs are careful. Just b/c they are natural, doesn’t mean they are safe.
What is the key ethical question in selling products out of the office?
Economic self-interest v. fidelity to patients
**we have more information & more power to steer our patients in a certain direction.
Selling stuff in the office isn’t prohibited, but what is regulated that is similar?
Self Referral
T/F Doctors are prevented from selling prescription drugs or vitamins from their office.
False. They are only prevented from selling prescription drugs. They can sell vitamins, which most patients don’t need.
What are the issues behind giving patients drug samples?
issue b/c only get samples of brand name drugs…then the patient expects this expensive drug that may not be better for them. doctors sometimes get lazy in changing the dosage.
What is the Sunshine Act?
act passed by Congress
pharmaceutical companies have to reveal which physicians hold dinner parties for them to sell their product (which they are paid for).
Now, fewer physicians want to do these talks.
Do insurance companies pay for alternative therapies, like for chronic fatigue syndrome?
NO. That is why it is appealing for physicians who want to make money.
T/F 40% of current pharmaceuticals have origins in plant sources!
True. But you still need to be careful that the herbs are careful. Just b/c they are natural, doesn’t mean they are safe.
What is the key ethical question in selling products out of the office?
Economic self-interest v. fidelity to patients
**we have more information & more power to steer our patients in a certain direction.
