Carilion Putting Clamps on Medical Reps

Roanoke-based Carilion Clinic is changing the way it deals with with pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers' representatives.

A new policy, developed after more than a year of consideration, is intended to erase any appearance of improperly influencing medical decisions. The policy is similar to those at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Geisinger Health System, and the Cleveland Clinic.

Information provided by pharmaceutical representatives, say Carilion officials, generally promotes newer, more expensive medications that may not always offer a significant advantage over existing, lower cost alternatives. This can drive up the cost of care. The new policy takes effect throughout the Carilion system on July 1, and several locations are already implementing the new guidelines.

Key components of the new policy include the following:

• Visits by vendors are by appointment only, and limited to non-patient care hours.
• All vendors must be registered through Carilion Clinic’s Corporate Purchasing Department.
• Vendors will be issued a temporary visitor’s badge and must wear the badge at all times when on Carilion property.
• Vendors are not allowed in patient care areas, and may not be present during patient appointments.
• All gifts, food and meals from vendors are prohibited.
• Carilion physician practices will no longer accept or keep medication samples from pharmaceutical representatives.

As an alternative to medication samples, Carilion Clinic physicians will prescribe generic medications (available from retail pharmacies for $4) whenever possible, encourage pharmaceutical representatives to provide vouchers that can be used to obtain a free supply of medication from pharmacies and maintain current information about assistance programs provided by pharmaceutical companies.