Doctor Perks May Soon Be Public Knowledge

Doctors accept payments from drug makers for everything from speaking engagements to travel. Now, the federal government is on pace to make such transactions known to the public.Pharmaceutical companies who produce any product covered by Medicare or Medicaid would be required to document all payments made to doctors. The information would then be publicly posted on a government website.Doctors who accept money from drug makers are more likely to prescribe medications for unapproved uses. Antipsychotic medications that are frequently prescribed off-label to children with various disabilities are one area where payments to doctors have come into question.However, argue that increased disclosure could lead to fewer doctors being willing to work with drug makers, which could stifle progress in the field.

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Doctor Perks May Soon Be Public Knowledge