RICH QUACKS

Doctors make a lot of cash and are given many perks by drug companies. Although not likely close to windfalls raked in by celebrity doctors such as Drew Pinsky, it is another of the reasons medical care is so expensive in America and one wonders if the wellness of the patient is the primary concern of some physicians over the health of their bank accounts. I was just prescribed a "name" drug (of which there were several cheaper generic alternatives) that the pharmacist said I couldn't switch because that was what the doctor had asked for, costing $90 when it should have been around $10 (and in fact, another doctor friend has offered me the same prescribed drug for free). If you would like an interesting read about the system, try: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/07/dr_drew_pinsky_cashed_in_on_drug_company_money_is_your_doctor_on_the_take_.html