Slashdot Mirror
FDA May Let Patients Buy More Drugs Without Prescriptions
Hugh Pickens writes "The Washington Times reports that the Food and Drug Administration may soon permit Americans to obtain some drugs used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes without obtaining a prescription. They may allow patients to diagnose their ailments by answering questions online or at a pharmacy kiosk in order to buy current prescription-only drugs for conditions such as high cholesterol, certain infections, migraine headaches, asthma or allergies. Some pharmacists embrace the notion that they should be able to dole out medication for patients' chronic conditions without making them go through a doctor. 'This could eliminate the need for a physician visit for certain meds that may have been prescription prior to this change,' said Ronna Hauser, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs for the National Community Pharmacists Association. 'However, there may be circumstances when a patient might need a physician visit and diagnosis and original prescription to start therapy but could continue on that therapy with pharmacist refill authorization capabilities.'" (Read more, below.)
Hugh Pickens continues: "Medical providers at public hearings to obtain input on a new paradigm urge caution, saying the government should not try to cut health care costs by cutting out doctors. 'Patients rely on physicians to provide sound diagnosis and treatment information and to help them meet their unique health needs,' says Peter W. Carmel, President of the American Medical Association. 'Expanding many prescription medications to OTC interferes with that important relationship without offering any real benefits to improve patients' health or reduce their costs.'" Other countries seem to do fine with pharmacists being closer to the front line of medicine recommendations; why couldn't the U.S.?"
>>>We have a shortage of doctors in the USA
That's what happens when the government installs price-fixing and says doctors can't charge more than X amount for a procedure (oftentimes below actual cost). Young adults choose other careers that pay more money (or don't require 70 hour weeks or 10 years training). Price fixing creates shortages.
I thought about being a doctor but said "no way" to that idea when I learned I could make just as much money/hour doing engineering... and only needed 4 years training.
My AC stalker: " I personally agree with your posts most of the time, but that won't keep me from modding you troll"
Judging from the times I've been to the ER (a couple times due to bad cuts, once due to meningitis) the massive workload in the ER comes from illegal aliens who use the ER for every little sniffle they get, and people who look like drug addicts looking for a fix. You shouldn't have to wait 2-3 hours for treatment when the only thing stopping blood from spurting all over is applying pressure. If I had my way I'd have ICE profiling patients at every ER and deporting every single illegal who shows up.