Physicians and Conflicts of Interest
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 540
In todays Wall Street Journal, it was reported that a lawsuit has been brought by a former Medtronics attorney that alleges that the company(a medical device maker), provided surgeons with incentives to use its' products. These "incentives" included entertainment at a Memphis strip club, trips to Alaska and other royalties. The allegations, apparently, involve the use of spinal repair implants.
Would you like to know if your ortho placed a steel or titanium implant in your back because he got the opportunity to stick a $5 bill in a strippers G string in Mempfis, or watch a polar bear float on an iceberg in Alaska???
Unfortunately, the news is filled with these types of stories lately. Google DePuy or Zimmer or Biomet and see what you find. Of course, "incentive" payments to physicians from pharmaceutical companies has been a hot button issue for some time. At the moment, congress is conducting investigations into incentives and kickbacks involving physicians , pharma companies and medical device makers. Fortunately, a number of physicians organizations have condemned the practice and encourage their members to forego such incentives.
What does this mean for you, the patient. Of course, if you have any question whatsoever about whether or not a drug or medical device is appropriate for you; you must be your own advocate and ask questions. Is the device FDA approved for the specific use? Does the doctor or his or her hospital receive any payment, incentive or royalty for using the device? Only if you ask these questions can you make an informed decision as to whether or not your doc is acting in a completely unbiased and objective manner as regards your care and treatment. No one wants to ask their physicians these questions, but consider the risks associated with not doing so. If you hesitate in asking the question...just think about the Memphis strip club and the polar bear!