I have received a number of suggestions from individuals and organizations to assess and write about various healthcare issues that may warrant public attention - or dare I say, scrutiny. One such topic is featured in this blog – physician income derived from third parties that pay doctors to influence the public – and their patients. Let’s call it what it is – physician conflict of interest. I was recently contacted by an Iowa physician who shared his concern with me about major conflicts of interest regarding some physicians. His concern: Physician income from third parties, such as drug and medical device companies, influences the prescribing behavior to patients who are unaware of such relationships. As mentioned to me: There are some physicians who feel that the government underpays for the value of their evaluation and management (E&M) codes, so they feel entitled to Read More >