After careful consideration, we have decided that as of April 1, 2003, representatives of pharmaceutical companies will no longer be allowed into our pediatric offices to detail their products. Related to this policy, we will no longer accept any samples, office supplies, meals, gifts or remuneration of any kind from pharmaceutical companies.
This policy is being implemented for the following reasons:
-First and foremost, we want our patients to know that our choice of medications is in their very best interest and not influenced by personal financial gain. We want to avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest.
-We believe that any educational value of the detailing visits is potentially compromised by the desire to sell products. Unfortunatley, in recent years many examples have come to light of what we consider to be innappropriate attempts by pharmaceutical companies to influence medical opinion and prescribing practices in the name of education.
-We are also concerned about the increasing costs of medicines in the U.S. and about the role expenditures for drug advertising and promotion contribute to those costs. We would prefer that the money spent to promote pharmaceutical products in our offices be used instead to keep down cost of medicines to people in need, particularly the eldery and the poor.
-Finally, visits by representatives of pharmaceutical companies in the midst of a busy medical practice can be inconvenient, awkward, and disruptive to our office routines, staff and to patient care.
Please note that most of the pharmaceutical company representatives who have visited our offices to date have been courteous and pleasant in their dealings with us, and this policy is no reflection upon them as individuals.
We thank you for respecting this policy.