Is it bad or unprofessional to hide from drug company reps

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I don't appreciate having to stop to talk to these people several times a day when I have a room full of patients waiting to see me and I have a ton of work to do. I know they're only doing their jobs. But, its not like I'm going to prescribe their new overpriced drugs to my mostly working class clients who can't afford them anyway. So...

I was told by somebody that it doesn't look professional to not stop to talk to reps. What is the consensus here?

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

Not an NP. But I agree with networking with them, as well as learning as much as you can about the meds they're hawking.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

When I did research for a group of surgeons, I also acted as executive assistant from time to time. I screened the reps, got a basic run down of their product, got their info and let them know I would pass the info on and follow up if the MDs were interested. Often they did end up either meeting in the clinic for a 15-20 min scheduled appointment or (depending on the product) the surgeon would request they catch him in the OR.

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IMO drug reps have the biggest mouth and as much as they annoy me, it's true that they are a great resource. Even if they bring lunch I spend

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

Drug reps can be good sources of information, and certain companies require them to get extensive education about their product, so often they know a lot more about it than you. As other's have said, they also have a good grasp on the local medical scene, and can tell you who is looking for NP's, job openings, etc.

Like the OP, I find most of the reps to be somewhat of an annoyance, and they take away from my work, but I have also struck up some good friendships with a few of the reps to the point that our families actually vacation together. If it's really a concern to you, ask your boss or office manager to make some rules for the reps so that they can't interfere with your work.

For example, in our practice they can only sample Tuesday and Thursday from 3-5pm (when we are a bit slower), and when they sample they don't speak with any of the providers. Typically they just say hello when we sign for the samples. If they want to talk to us, they set up a lunch, and they're only allowed in the clinic for one hour. I've been in some clinics where they linger for hours.

To answer the OP's question, I don't think you're being rude and most reps will understand if you're busy. There are some pushy reps that I avoid like the plague, but overall most are friendly and understanding when you can't talk. In the end, they need you more than you need them.

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It has been a few years since I worked in an office and had forgotten about the ridiculous flirting with the doctors or PAs. They taught me to not take them seriously.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

If I have time I will give them a minute or two, they can be a valuable resource at times. If I don't, I have no problem just saying "no time today, need a quick signature?" .

If you really dislike the notion of reps, don't hide form them, just tell them you aren't interested. They will stop bothering you.

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It has been a few years since I worked in an office and had forgotten about the ridiculous flirting with the doctors or PAs. They taught me to not take them seriously.

You know, until I read your post I was sure that I was imagining things...a couple of the guys, and definitely some of the women. I didn't want to call what they were doing 'flirting' but it sure as hell seemed like that. I was once invited out on what appeared to be a date. I don't know... I wouldn't knock a rep for that though. After all, if you're single and looking, why not ask?

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