Washington Post Examines Growing Trend Of Drug Dispensing By Physicians

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 31 Oct 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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The Washington Post on Tuesday examined physicians who sell prescription drugs to patients. According to the journal Physicians Practice, less than 10% of U.S. physicians currently sell prescription drugs at their clinics. However, Mark Bard, president of the health care market research firm Manhattan Research, says the number of physicians dispensing drugs could increase to 25% over the next five to 10 years.

"Point of care" dispensing is prohibited in most states, but physicians in some states, including Maryland and Virginia, can receive authorization to sell prescriptions from their pharmacy boards. Bard said commonly prescribed medications -- such as antibiotics, pain relievers and allergy medications -- account for the majority of drugs doctors sell, and some specialists are looking to sell specialty drugs, such as cancer medications. A recent survey of 900 U.S. adults found that three of four respondents said they would prefer purchasing their drugs directly from their physicians.

"One incentive" for physicians to sell medications "is that any profits fall outside the control of managed care, which has been putting the squeeze on reimbursement rates," according to the Post. The Post reports that physicians "usually charge more for drugs than a pharmacy does."

However, some experts say patients could be overcharged by doctors selling medications and face increased health risks if they are not properly counseled about possible drug interactions. Mitchel Rothholtz, chief of staff of the American Pharmacists Association, said, "It's important for patients to utilize the knowledge of their pharmacists as medication experts." Michael Cohen, president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, said, "It's a system that's ripe for abuse" (Kritz, Washington Post, 10/30).

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