Doctors Receiving Millions from Drug Companies

By Grant Law Office on March 28, 2013

A recent review of how doctors in Louisiana receive compensation from drug companies should be a warning to patients throughout the country. ProPublica reports that over $23 million was given to these physicians for a myriad of reasons, including speaking engagements, trials and consultations, and 36,000 payments were made to Louisiana doctors between 2009 and 2012. The data from 15 companies show that over $2 billion was paid to doctors nationwide. In some cases, doctors are prescribing and recommending the products made by companies from whom they are receiving compensation.

According to a recent article in The Shreveport Times, the level of transparency regarding which doctors are receiving payments from corporations is about to change. When the Physician Payment Sunshine Act goes into effect in 2014, all drug and medical device companies will have to report how much they are paying to doctors. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, patients will be able to determine for themselves if his or her doctor is acting in their best interests, or in the interests of a drug company.

It is unacceptable for medical professionals to push inadequate devices and untested drugs simply because they are being funded by the products’ manufacturers. It is important to know if a device or medication has a solid track record, but it can be difficult to know whom to trust when there are medical professionals submitting favorable reviews to the Food and Drug Administration for products that do not work.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical device or prescription drug, it may be in your best interest to discuss your legal rights and options with a medical malpractice lawyer in Georgia at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. It may be possible to pursue financial compensation from the product manufacturer or even the medical professional that administered the device or prescription. Our experienced legal team can help you determine what your case is worth and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.