Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Drug issues can be a real drag

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003 | 8:22 a.m.

Prescription drug advertising is big business.

How many times have you heard, or read, this line?: "Only your doctor can tell you if (fill in the blank) is right for you."

In just one issue of a reputable national magazine I counted at least 24 full pages of ads for prescription drugs with strange-sounding names -- makes one wonder how they concoct such labels. For example:

Zoloft, Gynecare, Prevacid, Aderall XR, Celebre, Concerta, Lipitone, Viagra, Avandia, Remefemin, Plavix, Snyvis and Pendas.

There appears to be a cure for everything: nail fungus, hyperactive children, diabetes, incontinence, impotence, allergies, heart problems, asthma, arthritis, acid reflux, the blahs.

There's always the catchphrase, however: "Ask your doctor if (fill in the blank) is right for you."

Warnings are included in the ads. They state: "(again fill in the blank) is generally well-tolerated, however it may not work for everyone."

Descriptions of side effects are often more frightening than the disease itself -- nausea, dizziness, itching, swelling, rash, joint pain, etc.

Then comes the catch: "Ask your doctor."

I don't know about your doctor, but mine is a busy man. I don't imagine he would be overjoyed to pick up the phone and have me ask, "Hey, Doc. Is (fill in the blank) right for me?"

According to the American College of Physicians, more doctors have begun charging a fee for calls seeking medical advice, a prescription renewal or health information.

The time could come when a patient called and queried: "Is (fill in the blank) right for me?," and the doctor could say that will cost $10. Don't be too sure it couldn't happen.

Some physicians have already begun charging a fee to persons calling for medical advice. Traditionally this information was free, but as costs rise, doctors, like everyone else, are searching for new sources of revenue.

A Pennsylvania physician, Dr. Paul Williams, has considered charging for after-office phone calls. Dr. Williams maintains that attorneys routinely charge for any type of information supplied by phone, e-mail, fax or letter.

Several years back I recall how angry a Sun executive was when he suggested that his attorney drop by the executive's home, have breakfast and discuss litigation involving the newspaper. The attorney sent a bill for time spent enjoying a hearty breakfast.

Drug companies want you to call your doctor and ask about specific medication, and doctors are busy enough without such aggravation.

Patients oppose the charges as "nickel and diming." But experts expect medical billing will soon include special fees for service that was once free.

The monthly luncheon of old-timers at the Plaza is getting better all the time.

At the most recent get-together, Carey Burke brought his amazing collection of early Strip memorabilia for all to see. Burke has matchbooks, menus, matches, pictures, chips, ashtrays and other tokens from the old casinos -- all nicely mounted and displayed.

Steven Cutler, curator of the Casino Legends Hall of Fame, spoke to the group and outlined plans for the museum.