If you caught my recent blog requesting the FCC ban prescription drug ads, then you will not be surprised to know the American Medical Association has joined me in this meaningful quest. That is correct.
Today, the AMA announced that they will lobby for a ban on prescription drug ads. The AMA contends that the $4.5 billion the drug companies spend annually on prescription drug ads could be used to reduce spiraling prescription drug costs rather than TV ads. Makes sense to me.
The drug companies counter with the argument that these "scientifically accurate" ads inform the consumer about drug options.The AMA counters that the ads promote drugs that are often beyond the financial reach of most insurance plans causing the Doctors to bring the bad news to their patients, which according to the AMA can compromise and delay patient care.
I hope you see the humor in the drug companies argument about "scientifically accurate" as distinct from "unscientifically accurate." I did not know that accurate needed a category of its own. Will Rogers is rolling over in his grave, scratching th back of his head, and wishing he was still alive to use this material for his stage routine. I do too.
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