tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post5905659372128126520..comments2024-03-26T16:46:21.764-04:00Comments on Doctor Grumpy in the House: Things that make me grumpyGrumpy, M.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-17119280701315042392010-01-13T12:11:57.288-05:002010-01-13T12:11:57.288-05:00In the US, if you mail all these pamphlets back to...In the US, if you mail all these pamphlets back to the rep with insufficient postage, the receiver has to pay the postage due.Just a little snarkyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12682886206059221096noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-82666617495113145812010-01-07T02:22:48.847-05:002010-01-07T02:22:48.847-05:00Speaking of DTC ads...
There's been a banner-...Speaking of DTC ads...<br /><br />There's been a banner-ad on several websites for the last month, encouraging parents to cure their kids' study problems by putting them on Concerta (similar to Adderall or Ritalin, for the non-med readers.) ...I can't be the only one who's totally disgusted by the level this has stooped to.AZ_RPhnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-2241521786056814422010-01-06T22:43:47.464-05:002010-01-06T22:43:47.464-05:00Yeah, DTC advertising is strange. I'm Australi...Yeah, DTC advertising is strange. I'm Australian, but was recently in the US and was just befuddled at the sheer volume of advertising - for hospitals, for drugs, for surgical treatments. It was just so so strange. <br /><br />Things are getting more lax here in Australia, but DTC advertising for health products is pretty much limited to paracetamol and similar, and stop-smoking aids!MsLauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14865393664244155193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-47513812671988632522010-01-06T19:59:56.104-05:002010-01-06T19:59:56.104-05:00I'm pretty sure that the US and New Zealand ar...I'm pretty sure that the US and New Zealand are the only developed countries that allow DTC advertising. <br /><br />Patients should absolutely know what is available out there, but I think these ads do far more harm than good. I've heard a lot of people say that they have quit a medication simply because of the side effects listed on one of these. Nevermind the fact that the side effects are the same as those that come with the prescription they've been taking for years and they have yet to experience any one of them. Apparently those aren't worth reading. <br /><br />Obviously not the only problem with them, but I will never fully understand why it's legal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-32696245488224502582010-01-06T18:05:56.751-05:002010-01-06T18:05:56.751-05:00For as much as I like my torture them like a nun i...For as much as I like my torture them like a nun idea, The Mother has the right solution. I have a friend who used to be a drug rep. It's a cutthroat business and that middle management boss has a lot of power. They're always having to suck up to that boss. Call their supervisor and complain.thegooddrlaurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08435755211517374081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-15214745037441082702010-01-06T14:19:11.022-05:002010-01-06T14:19:11.022-05:00At least it's easy for me to ignore the pamphl...At least it's easy for me to ignore the pamphlets and be alone with my thoughts or tinker with my grocery list. The specialists I've seen have those perfectly awful television screens playing all kinds of advertising and supposedly educational spiels in the waiting room. If you didn't come in with a headache, you'll surely leave with one if you have to be there for very long at all.Celestenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-55979628763459859572010-01-06T13:54:51.743-05:002010-01-06T13:54:51.743-05:00I'd call the company. All local reps have big ...I'd call the company. All local reps have big bosses. They do not like it when the docs do not like their reps, or when docs complain about their reps.The Motherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15157821003454766570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-28043158384668920202010-01-06T13:46:30.766-05:002010-01-06T13:46:30.766-05:00I wonder if the laws are different in Canada or if...I wonder if the laws are different in Canada or if I just have pamphlet fatigue.<br /><br />I didn't realize there were direct-to-consumer ads for drugs. Jeesh. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm hoping you keep posting because I'm bedridden again!Suzannehttp://www.readingtomykids.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-40753969275778078082010-01-06T13:21:14.218-05:002010-01-06T13:21:14.218-05:00I'm all about covering their cars in the liter...I'm all about covering their cars in the literature....except wait for a rainy day, so they get good and stuck :)The Duchesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07988972822706391240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-49934767959736909822010-01-06T12:59:00.778-05:002010-01-06T12:59:00.778-05:00ERP- that's pathetic.ERP- that's pathetic.Grumpy, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-25464904524202264632010-01-06T12:56:56.054-05:002010-01-06T12:56:56.054-05:00Would you believe reps sometimes leave crap like ...Would you believe reps sometimes leave crap like this in the ER waiting room?!ERPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15973334581468131595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-73010799033768128802010-01-06T12:15:53.032-05:002010-01-06T12:15:53.032-05:00I think we may have just found our first Grumpy Fa...I think we may have just found our first Grumpy Fan Mission. :-Dstudent dr. blazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17307156914515136574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-64976883688858359962010-01-06T12:02:11.541-05:002010-01-06T12:02:11.541-05:00How about instead of recycling them, save it all u...How about instead of recycling them, save it all up. Along with the subscription cards that come in magazines, and envelopes from junk mail. Make it clear their shameless wares are as valuable as all these items.<br /><br />Put it all in a box for each, save it up, tape it up, and wrap it. Let them think they're getting a present of appreciation. Leave a note in the very top for when they open it, that says "You littered in my office. That behavior is entirely inappropriate. You are welcome in my office <i>as long as you behave appropriately</i>."<br /><br />I dunno.<br />I'm the kind of spiteful bastard, who in addition to papering their car, I'd do it with their competitor's materials, and fish blood and guts injected into the car (best done in the summer, what with the heat, AND cracked windows). And paint as an adhesive.<br /><br />My verification word is "restra". That sounds like a new-fangled drug name?xtinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12960024706010157642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-89114973880830061062010-01-06T11:43:44.436-05:002010-01-06T11:43:44.436-05:00Elizabeth- "Boogeyzoo". I like that.Elizabeth- "Boogeyzoo". I like that.Grumpy, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-50422620467960503872010-01-06T11:25:54.482-05:002010-01-06T11:25:54.482-05:00Now that I have had a fully rested night of sleep ...Now that I have had a fully rested night of sleep after staying up way too late two nights in a row and reading your entire blog...<br /><br />And, now that I am starting to recover from the multiple broken ribs resulting from sustained, uncontrolled laughter...<br /><br />As a patient, I love nothing more than having various drugs hawked to me when I'm sitting in a doctor's office. No, I really don't need medical support for my prostate, being female and all. Then, there's the box of tissues and the soap dispenser in the bathroom. How long before they start placing ads for hemmorhoid cream on the toilet paper?<br /><br />As a patient, I get aggravated by the DTC ads. "Ask your doctor if boogeyzoo is right for you." Um, no. I want the doctor to tell me what is right for me. <br /><br />...retreating back to my soapbox now.Elizabeth - King J's Queenhttp://kingjsqueen.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-not-my-fault.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-74937475474282568892010-01-06T11:22:28.089-05:002010-01-06T11:22:28.089-05:00I find the best way to torture people is to sweetl...I find the best way to torture people is to sweetly make them feel like $#!+. I went to Catholic school. It's an old nun trick. If you know who that wallpapering rep is, call him or her into your office. S/he is seated (make the chair as low as possible) and you are standing. "Why did you hide your advertisement in my National Geographics? Why? Do you think that was a professional thing to do? Who told you to do that? Is that how your mother taught you to interact with people? Why would you hide this from me? If you thought I would say no, why would you do it behind my back? That insults me and hurts my feelings. Didn't you think I'd find them? What did you think I would do when I found them? Did you think you wouldn't get caught? If you were in my position, how would this make you feel? What do YOU suggest that I do about this?" and keep asking WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, always in a soft tone of voice. Keep them there as long as possible, as long as you have the time. Do it EVERY time. The key to behaviour modification is consistency. <br /><br />Have fun.thegooddrlaurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08435755211517374081noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-4830187052108046742010-01-06T10:03:47.599-05:002010-01-06T10:03:47.599-05:00I hate DTC ads.I hate DTC ads.Grumpy, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-34261575696713092372010-01-06T10:02:24.521-05:002010-01-06T10:02:24.521-05:00That's just sick. Plain sick.
Also, isn't...That's just sick. Plain sick.<br /><br />Also, isn't putting the pamphlets inside the magazines redundant since the magazines already have obnoxious ads about the drugs anyway?<br /><br />What are your thoughts on direct to consumer advertising w/meds? Just curious, as always. :-)student dr. blazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17307156914515136574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-32076810655747318052010-01-06T09:58:59.628-05:002010-01-06T09:58:59.628-05:00Blaze- Believe it or not, this is what the bosses ...Blaze- Believe it or not, this is what the bosses encourage them to do. <br /><br />One company in particular has recently fired it's most friendly, likable reps and moved to obnoxious, pushy ones, and this is what they want them to be doing.Grumpy, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-59245862732573516262010-01-06T09:56:27.880-05:002010-01-06T09:56:27.880-05:00I like DreamingTree's idea about the sign. It&...I like DreamingTree's idea about the sign. It's clever.<br /><br />This may sound nuts, but is there any way you can call the bosses of these particular drug reps? Usually they appear with their bosses once or twice a year. I don't know if it would make a difference, but perhaps if you politely (but emphatically) explained to the boss what their reps are doing, maybe they'd cease and desist with the devious tactics? Or maybe you could call company x and request a different rep? Just a thought. The services they provide are essential for underserved patients, but that doesn't mean you should have to put up with such nasty antics to get the services. After all, you do prescribe their products, which is what they want in the first place.<br /><br />If that doesn't work, I'd totally go to plan B, Kim's suggestion. I'd take it a step further, though, and wallpaper their homes. *evilgrin*student dr. blazehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17307156914515136574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-66063789824715357622010-01-06T09:41:08.632-05:002010-01-06T09:41:08.632-05:00NeurologyWife- I get those, too, usually from the ...NeurologyWife- I get those, too, usually from the temporal lobe epilepsy patients, but only a few times a year.<br /><br />Usually they're more interested in converting me then the other patients.Grumpy, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-18626792611267211472010-01-06T09:37:52.820-05:002010-01-06T09:37:52.820-05:00Yes, those drug pamphlets are annoying...but what ...Yes, those drug pamphlets are annoying...but what I really can't stand are the religious tracts. Maybe this doesn't happen in your "upscale suburban area", but out here there are a number of patients who regularly "wallpaper" the waiting room with proselytizing pamphlets of all sorts that they tuck into the magazine racks for other patients. We have to root them out as well.NeurologyWifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12590885660051716062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-17326545467072064792010-01-06T08:07:20.438-05:002010-01-06T08:07:20.438-05:00Maybe you could beat them at their own game by han...Maybe you could beat them at their own game by hanging a disclaimer in your lobby. "Literature in the lobby is for entertainment purposes only."DreamingTreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09911536074688347584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-51706894226631295922010-01-06T07:41:20.235-05:002010-01-06T07:41:20.235-05:00See, if I worked in your office, I'd find out ...See, if I worked in your office, I'd find out which car they drove, and wallpaper their car with their own leaflets.<br /><br />But you already know I'm immature and petty like that! LOL!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03270000546237103091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5883634615775822475.post-44288251220612318232010-01-06T06:48:04.813-05:002010-01-06T06:48:04.813-05:00OldMDGirl- I usually don't do that, because I ...OldMDGirl- I usually don't do that, because I need their samples.<br /><br />I often use them as charity to help get my patients through the Medicare donut hole. Some of them just can't afford their meds during that time, so I try to help as best I can.<br /><br />I'd rather put up with the occasional obnoxious rep than have my patients stop their medications.Grumpy, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09858110332436246760noreply@blogger.com