Addressing threats to health care's core values, especially those stemming from concentration and abuse of power - and now larger threats to the democracy needed to advance health and welfare. Advocating for accountability, integrity, transparency, honesty and ethics in leadership and governance of health care.
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Tuesday, March 25, 2008
BLOGSCAN - Continuing Investigation of Orthopods' Financial Relationships with Prosthetic Joint Manufacturers
On the Hooked: Ethics, Medicine and Pharma blog, Dr Howard Brody expanded his focus a bit to include medical device companies. He posted about the ongoing investigations of orthopedic surgeons' financial relationships to the manufacturers of prosthetic joints. He cited an unnamed senior general surgeon who "did not think that anywhere near as much real 'consulting' ever got done as cash flowed into docs' pockets." This story keeps bubbling just below the surface. Stay tuned, as I suspect there will be more developments.
And from the WSJ Health Blog:
ReplyDeleteMarch 24, 2008, 7:01 am
Feds Focus on Docs Soliciting Bribes
Posted by Scott Hensley
It takes two to make a bribe. The potential palm greaser needs someone to provide an open hand.
Until now federal investigations into payola to lubricate sales of orthopedic implants have focused on the companies with deep pockets. But now doctors on the receiving end of payments are becoming targets.
“We are going to be looking at those soliciting kickbacks,” Lewis Morris, chief counsel to HHS’ Office of the Inspector General at a big meeting of orthopedic surgeons this month, the New York Times reports
We often forget it takes a willing doctor to make this whole sham work. "Everybody does it" is not a reason in an adult world.
Steve Lucas