Prescribing Institutions: Explaining the Evolution of Physician Dispensing

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Eggleston
Keyword(s):  
1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (10) ◽  
pp. 2250-2253
Author(s):  
C. S. Ted Tse ◽  
Albert J. Madura
Keyword(s):  

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 504-509
Author(s):  
Mary H. Andritz ◽  
Matthew P. Rogan

Experience in private pediatric practice is used to illustrate some potential advantages and disadvantages to patients and physicians of drug dispensing by physicians. Projections were based on the prescribing trends in the practice, the extent of patients' insurance reimbursement for prescriptions, the laws regarding dispensing, and the costs incurred when physicians purchase selected medications from a repackager or when patients procure them at a community pharmacy. Patients without insurance for prescriptions can potentially save money by purchasing medication at the physician's office but, in general, only if the physician's dispensing fee is minimal. Potential profits to physicians would be cut by an estimated 50% because of third-party enrollees choosing to have prescriptions filled at a pharmacy because of cost savings. Net profits are further reduced and may even be eliminated when the cost of physician and staff time to prepare, label, reorder, and maintain necessary records regarding dispensed medication are considered. Although it may be convenient for the patient to obtain initial supplies of medication at the time of an office visit, obtaining refills may be less convenient. The time and paperwork involved in dispensing by a physician cannot be considered as minimal interruptions in normal office procedure. The broad, attractive claims made in support of physician dispensing by physicians clearly overstate the benefits both to patients and to physicians.


1989 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-352
Author(s):  
Richard R. Abood

Despite the fact that physicians have dispensed prescription drugs for profit for several years, the practice is currently under intense challenge and controversy. This recent flare-up can be explained by several factors including the involvement of the Federal Trade Commission (FTQ, increased competition among physicians, alternative delivery systems and drug repackagers.Federal laws including the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and Controlled Substances Act regulate dispensing practices, but have been interpreted to regulate dispensing by pharmacists, not physicians. All states have laws applicable to the dispensing of prescription drugs by physicians, but the wording of these laws raises unclear legal issues. Both uncertainty about these legal issues and pharmacists' concern over the increase in physician dispensing has promoted state legislative efforts to restrict or regulate the practice. These legislative efforts and the corresponding regulatory actions by state boards have triggered FTC involvement.From a social policy perspective physician dispensing raises significant concerns of ethics, conflicts of interest, patient welfare and economics. Based upon social policy, physician dispensing for profit is not a practice which should be condoned or allowed to flourish.


1987 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 57-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Perri ◽  
Jeffrey A. Kotzan ◽  
Norman V. Carroll ◽  
Jack E. Fincham
Keyword(s):  

1989 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence A. Pink ◽  
T. Lee Hageboeck ◽  
Donald L. Moore
Keyword(s):  

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