That good old saying of follow the money is never more obvious than in healthcare. In an article about generic drugs on NY Times online yesterday, Maker of Lipitor Digs In to Fight Generic Rival Maker of Lipitor Digs In to Fight Generic Rival
By STEPHANIE SAUL and ALEX BERENSON Pfizer's efforts to fight for their drug was explained. Amidst all the blather about studies showing one thing or another was a peek into the world of health care:
"Blue Care Network, a health maintenance organization affiliated with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, offered to pay $100 to physicians for each patient who filled a prescription for a generic statin."
Do you or don't you switch to generics? Who knows. But remember, it may feel different from buying a designer handbag or a knockoff but the choices are the same, weigh quality, price and how much the name means to you. As a matter of fact, I think Pfizer should learn a thing or two from the handbag industry--I know lots of women who would not consider buying the twenty dollar knockoffs (and lots of women who would and do), but not a one of them buys for full retail price--even on bags costing thousands of dollars they'll discuss how they got a "deal." So Pfizer, instead of countering Blue Care Network's payment to doctors, maybe you should make a deal with your consumers--our pill costs more but hey it's designer and if you order on Wednesday, we're having a super sale for our best customers, 20% of your next order. Better yet, Pay the Patients for switching not their doctors.
