Selling products out of the office. Ethics and Human Rights Committee.

Abstract

The sale of products from the physician's office raises several ethical issues and may affect the trust necessary to sustain the patient–physician relationship. When deciding whether to sell products out of the office and, if so, which ones, physicians should carefully consider such criteria as the urgency of the patient's need, the clinical relevance to the patient's condition, the adequacy of evidence to support use of the product, and geographic and time constraints for the patient in otherwise obtaining the product. Physicians should make full disclosure about their financial interests in selling the product and inform patients about alternatives for purchasing the product. Charges for products sold through the office should be limited to the reasonable costs incurred in making them available.