Carilion Clinic Implements New Policy to Improve Patient Care

New policy regarding pharmaceutical and medical device representatives is designed to support the physician-patient relationship

ROANOKE, Va. (Feb. 23, 2010) – In an on-going effort to advance the quality of care we provide our patients, Carilion Clinic will follow the lead of some of the country’s most respected medical institutions and improve the way we manage our relationships with pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. The new policy, developed after more than a year of consideration, is intended to provide vendor representatives with continued opportunities to share valuable information, without the appearance of improperly influencing care-giver’s decisions.

Carilion’s new policy is similar to those implemented by the University of Virginia Medical Center, Geisinger Health System, and the Cleveland Clinic. It is also in line with recommendations from the American Association of Medical Colleges and the Joint Commission. 

“Nothing should interfere with the relationship between a doctor and his or her patient,” said Tony Slonim, M.D., Carilion Clinic’s Vice President for Medical Affairs. “We put the needs of our patients first, and want them to feel confident that we are making decisions based on their best interests.”

The new policy was developed based on the following:

  • Quality, effective and efficient care is our top priority.
  • Information provided by pharmaceutical representatives 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, contrary to Carilion Clinic’s stated goal of cost reduction.
  • The distribution of medication samples is largely uncontrolled and undocumented, making recalls and other issues difficult to manage.
  • Pharmacies are the best option to manage the distribution of medications to patients.
  • Our physicians’ office time should be spent with patients, not with drug and device manufacturers’ representatives.
  • The presence of representatives and branded gifts and paraphernalia sends the wrong message, and can leave the impression of improper influence on care decisions.

The new policy takes effect throughout the Carilion system on July 1, however 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 $4.00) 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. 

This new initiative is just one aspect of Carilion Clinic’s mission to constantly improve they way we care for patients.