| PRIVACY AT THE PHARMACY ~ JANUARY 2001 | |
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By Dr. Karen Ilika Privacy at the Pharmacy ~ January 2001 Happy New Year! I want to bring to your attention something that I believe is a potential invasion of your privacy. A patient asked me why/how she had received an advertisement from a drug manufacturer at her home. She wondered if somehow I was involved in that process. (No, I am not, except for having written her prescription in the first place.) However, I have recently learned that certain pharmacies are providing information about their customers to various drug and insurance companies. In some cases the names and addresses of customers, along with the medications purchased, are sold to other pharmaceutical companies. These companies in turn send advertisements for their competing medications to you, the customer. While most of the time this is simply a nuisance, it can cause significant problems. An individual may not want materials about her diabetic condition, menopause status, sexually transmitted disease or other sensitive medical problem inadvertently revealed to her housemates or family members by a direct mailing campaign. The American Medical Association (of which I am a member)is currently looking at legal options to: 1. Prevent pharmacies and third-party payers from releasing the physician-specific information. 2. Protect patients and physicians from pharmaceutical firms using prescribing pattern information. If this is an issue for you, I urge you to ask if your pharmacy participates in this practice. And if it does, ask what is it willing to do to protect your privacy. Also, communicate your feelings to your elected representatives, both locally and nationally. Thanks to each of you who has referred a friend or family member to my practice. Your recommendation is the best possible compliment! And since I am now able to concentrate exclusively on gynecology, I have more time available for appointments for both new and established patients. I am blessed in being able to do work that I love with the wonderful women who are my patients and friends. Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year! Karen |
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