Introduction
As revenue continues its sink-hole slide, more and more office-based doctors are considering doing clinical trials within their practices.
While the income potential could reach into the hundreds of thousands (or more), there are enough obstacles to turn off many doctors. But given the possible patient benefits and the income benefits, a number of physicians are taking another look.
"From a remuneration perspective, conducting clinical trials is very positive relative to what we get from insurers; it's a positive amount for the time spent," says Jeffrey Danzig, MD, internist and gastroenterologist in solo practice in Ridgewood, New Jersey. "It's money you don't have to haggle over with insurance companies or go through numerous claim resubmissions; you know you're going to get paid."
A single study can pay $70,000; doing 3 or more at once -- which is typical -- can bring in significant income.
Besides the financial benefits, conducting clinical trials can bring other rewards.
"It allows you to nurture your academic side and to stay involved in the academic side of medicine," says Danzig, who has done about 20 clinical trials. "It also keeps you updated on the condition you're studying." Some of the trials Danzig has done involved looking at how a proton-pump inhibitor affects reflux and esophageal healing; another involved comparing a new inflammatory bowel disease drug to current drugs.
Additionally, patients may benefit from new or experimental treatments.
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Cite this: Leslie Kane. Clinical Trials Can Boost Your Bottom Line -- Are They Worth It? - Medscape - Jun 02, 2010.
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