While it's far from an established practice, physicians are increasingly beginning to sell prescription drugs in their offices. Right now, only 10 percent of U.S. physicians do so, but the number could increase to 25 percent over the next five to 10 years, according to research by analyst firm Manhattan Research.
Pharmacists have raised questions about the practice, with some arguing that the arrangement gives doctors an incentive to overcharge. Pharmacists also contend that if patients get drugs from physicians, they might not get the proper counseling on drug interactions. However, some physicians say that it's one of the only ways they can fight back against falling reimbursement rates and rising costs.
To learn more about this trend:
- read this Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report piece [1]
Links:
[1] http://www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_hpolicy.cfm#48527