Patient Discussion Boards are Selling User Information to Drug Companies

July 13, 2010

Although some websites such as CureTogether.com and PatientsLikeMe.com argue that selling member information to pharmaceutical companies facilitates collaboration to meet consumer needs, many worry that such data-gathering lead to a greater influence over consumer decisions by drug companies. Although the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 restricts the dissemination of patient information by healthcare providers, the law does not pertain to websites.

The New York Times article can be accessed here.


(Updated: Jul 13, 2010)