WSJ.com - Guidant Draws Fire For Doctor Survey Payments
As scrutiny of heart-device makers intensifies, one tactic that is coming into question involves companies making payments to doctors who use their products and fill out surveys about them.
To get such payments, doctors must fill out a so-called postmarketing survey about new heart defibrillators and pacemakers. In one such survey, Guidant Corp. of Indianapolis has offered money to doctors to describe potential improvements the manufacturer could make in its heart products, said doctors who are on the company's advisory board.
Eric N. Prystowsky, an Indianapolis heart-rhythm specialist, said the company has been offering $100 per survey for doctors, who can fill out numerous surveys. Dr. Prystowski, who is a member of Guidant's medical advisory board, said that he recently advised “Guidant to drop it.” .. An important question is whether such programs serve a legitimate medical-research purpose, or whether they are primarily marketing tools. A heated debate is taking place among leading cardiologists regarding this question.
Sounds bad, whether or not it's illegal. And the stench of impropriety, coupled with a WSJ front page expose, means the practice will probably end soon. So, doctors, send in your surveys quick!
Tags: health
