Prescribing based on research, not marketing.
In 1998, The Everett Clinic was one of the first medical groups in the country to ban pharmaceutical companies from physician offices. We believe that prescribing decisions should be based on scientific research and medical experience, not advertising and marketing. To do this, we have a team of clinical pharmacists and physicians who evaluate research and make objective recommendations regarding the highest quality, most cost-effective medications.
Since the ban, effective prescribing has been saving patients more than $88 million per year (compared to Washington State average) without sacrificing quality. In addition, because of the work of our clinical pharmacy team, our patients benefit from the most current research on medication effectiveness and side-effects.
To assist us in maintaining this level of effectiveness, pharmaceutical sales companies and their representatives must adhere to the following guidelines excerpted from our official policy:
1) Clinic Access. Pharmaceutical and sales representatives do not have access to The Everett Clinic in any location. The Director of Pharmacy Services maintains a key contact from each pharmaceutical company, based on need, and will involve other key Everett Clinic leaders and staff as needed. Access includes sending unsolicited emails to Everett Clinic physicians and staff, unsolicited faxes and sales representatives dropping off information including invitations for distribution.
2) Education and Research. The Everett Clinic will continue to partner with pharmaceutical companies in areas of mutual benefit regarding education and research. Key contacts within The Everett Clinic for these opportunities include the Chief Medical Officer, Director of Pharmacy, appropriate medical directors and Corporate Compliance Officer.
3) Food and Gifts. Pharmaceutical company staff, retail and specialty pharmacies may not bring food, beverages, or substantive gifts for personal use to Everett Clinic employees or medical staff at any time. Departmental lunches or snacks will not be allowed.
4) Drug Fairs. Drug Fairs will be prohibited at The Everett Clinic.
5) Pharmaceutical Displays. Displays, literature, or exhibits placed by pharmaceutical companies are prohibited.
6) Promotional Materials. Any promotional materials customized to The Everett Clinic, or with reference to our payers’ formulary status must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Pharmacy and Chair, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Proposals should be forwarded to the Director of Pharmacy.
7) Honoraria/Travel Expenses. Physicians and staff of The Everett Clinic are not to accept honoraria or travel expenses for attending or participating in pharmaceutical company or medical device company sponsored educational events, unless specifically exempted by the Medical Director under the Clinic’s Outside Income policy or run through the Clinic as revenue.
8) TEC DEA and NPI Numbers. Physicians’ and midlevel DEA and NPI numbers are not to be given out to pharmaceutical companies.
Violation of any part of this policy by a representative of the industry should be reported to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and will result in penalization, up to and including loss of formulary status of company’s products and a one year ban .