Yes, a physician should be paid for his time. Yes, I think managed care companies underpay physicians. I think there's substantial ground between what a physician might legitimately expect to be paid for his time versus what the drug companies are paying, which is way in excess of that. Some pharmaceutical companies in a hurry to complete their trials also pay cash bonuses to physicians able to enroll a certain number of patients by a specified date. Like referral fees, some observers regard bonus payments as ethically questionable.
Liability is another important consideration for physicians involved in clinical trials.
In the world of malpractice, anyone can get sued anywhere at any time for anything, whether it's valid or not. But the deepest pocket down the line is the pharmaceutical house. Nonetheless, I do caution primary care physicians to note whether the contract names the pharmaceutical house. Deciding to Participate The overriding consideration for most physicians considering a role in clinical research will be the question of what is best for the individual patient. It can be a long, arduous process.