Questions surround prescription data gathering

The New York Times reports that a movement has formed among doctors against the pharmaceutical industry's collection of data on physician prescribing habits. Drug reps say the data is one of the best marketing tools they have because it lets them see at a glance who is prescribing what. Critics disagree, arguing that the data collection is an unwarranted intrusion and a violation of privacy. That's led to moves in a number of states, including California, to consider laws that would ban drug companies from collecting information. In response, the American Medical Association is attempting to avert the crisis by allowing doctors to opt out.

- read this article from The New York Times