Dr. Gott: Sales reps take up doctor’s time

DEAR DR. GOTT: My letter is in regards to medical sales representatives at doctors’ offices. I personally attend or accompany family and friends to approximately 20 different doctors’ offices yearly. While in the waiting room, it is common to see four or five (and as many as 12) different sales reps come through the door in an hour.

Often, the reps bring lunch, balloons and cookie trays.

Are there any medical-industry guidelines regarding such alliances, so as a patient I will receive a prescribed drug that best fits my need in lieu of a drug marketed by a sales rep who may have finished lunch at the clinic on that day?

DEAR READER: You have a legitimate complaint, and I can understand and appreciate your frustration, even though you or someone you know may benefit by receiving free drug samples. After all, for every salesman seen, you sit longer and longer before being treated.

Whatever you decide, it might be best to speak with your physician and express your concerns. While he or she is obviously aware of the number of interruptions in a day, it may come as a surprise that patients are annoyed by the process. As I see it, you have a couple of options. First, you might determine whether your doctor sees reps all day or only in the afternoon, for example. You can then schedule your appointments at opposite times and avoid the issue. Or you can change to another physician who has a policy not to see drug reps at all.