Seniors on Medicare know that medications can be the most expensive portion of their healthcare. At the same time, the little pills their doctor prescribes are many times allowing the senior to extend their life and live a more enjoyable life. This may be why it is shocking news that doctors are marking up the medications they dispense in their office to make more money.
Doctors prescribing and selling medications also presents a conflict of interest. The New York Times reports Florida, California and Oklahoma lawmakers are tackling regulation of this issue. The doctors profit some from the overcharging but it seems Automated HealthCare, a leader in physician dispensing, is behind the practice and partly owned by Abry Partners, a private equity firm which has contribued more than $3.3 million in political contributions.
The heartburn drug Zantac has been sold by doctors for as much as $3.25 instead of the normal 35 cents.
Seniors should question their medical doctor if he is prescribing a medication and also selling it in the doctor’s office.
