The story is told about a patient scheduled for shoulder surgery who receives a letter from the orthopedic surgeon that he is one of the designers of the artificial shoulder the patient is about to receive and that he is paid royalties from the implant manufacturer.

This doctor is unusual because most physicians do not reveal their business connections with equipment or pharmaceutical companies. However, the demand for such discussion is getting louder and the time when doctors are required to volunteer this information may not be that far away.

You should be aware about payments your doctors receive for everything from consulting for drug makers to speaking to other physicians about the merits of a company’s product. In fact, some doctor groups are now insisting that their members take the initiative in telling patients about financial connections.

You can already find out if your surgeon is paid by any one of the five biggest orthopedic equipment makers by visiting the companies’ Web sites. Companies, including Stryker Corp are now required to make the information public.

You may not think of the ways in which these relationships may influence your treatment, but they can.  For instance, some doctors put MRI and CT scans in their office and refer patients to those machines. The problem is machines are different and there may be a better one for you somewhere else.

I do not think patients should be put in the position of having to quiz their doctor but since information is not always available, you do what you need to do. My advice is to ask your doctor if he or she has any financial connection to the recommended treatment. If the answer is YES, I would seriously consider asking a second opinion. If you are unwilling to ask your doctor, then research the Web.

To your successful health regardless of age.

Ruthan Brodsky

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Filed under: Treatment

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