I know many patients are not happy unless their doctor prescribes something
for them...

Just tell your doctor you understand that sometimes there is nothing a
doctor can do for certain things and that you would prefer he not prescribe
anything in these cases. That you prefer to not take any drugs unless it is
necessary, etc. That you will be perfectly happy with his advice if he
prescribes nothing.

I'll bet your doctor will be delighted to have a patient who feels this way
and has brains!

So far as not taking something your doctor prescribed, I would certainly
inform your doctor of this. Best to tell the doctor *everything* and be
honest. Little things can sometimes be very important!

"Roger"  wrote in message

My doctor likes to offer me prescriptions left and right for anything
and everything--for things that are barely perceptible and not dangerous.

(I usually just want to get something checked out.  I understand some
medications, like an antacid, is important because minor symptoms can
lead to something more serious.)

My question is, are there any ulterior incentives for doctors to
prescribe medicines?

Also do doctors receive any notification or feedback, from a pharmacy,
insurer, or whatever, as to whether a particular prescription has been
filled or not?

Thanks,

Rog

Years ago when my dad owned a pharmacy, drug salesmen would come in and
check our Rx files to see which doctors were prescribing a particular drug.
I suppose now they can buy this information from our "confidential medical
records" that the insurance companies have.