Free Samples
December 24, 2005
I was telling one of my Type 2 friends, on the phone, about how I was testing different monitors and one of the things I really like about my endo's office, is that they are very free with "samples" from Reps.
I am however, having trouble putting this down on paper.
One of the primary care physicians I've had was also very open about giving patients "samples" from the drug reps. Whenever he started me on a new medication, I left with at least a months supply. He was also good about making sure you had a "cushion". His philosophy, one that my endo's office seems to share, is that if he could give you at least as much medication that would equal your copay.
The endo's office is even better, as it gives me an opportunity to try technology with out it affecting my pocket book. One thing that has ALWAYS irritated me about blood glucose monitors, is that they only give you 10 test strips (if that) in the box. I'm sorry, but you can't figure out if you like a meter with 10 test strips. Yeah, I know that represents 2 weeks of testing in the average Type 2 (rolling my eyes). However, I screw up at least 3 test strips when I try a new meter.
I encourage all health care professions to use the drug rep's sample medications to give something back to your patients. I personally find it a win - win. And a few times, I've tried the samples and they didn't work well for me (thinking of Provigil), which was great, because then I wasn't out a pharmacy co-pay.