While I applaud cynical views in general, since most of the rest of the world has restrictions on the prices of prescription drugs this idea doesn't work in most cases.

There is a more cynical view, and you should definitely take it. Less doctor involvement means more people taking prescription drugs (the pharma companies hope).

As an aside, I cannot tell you how angry our direct-to-consumer drug advertisements make me. Especially the ones that are marketed to people with terminal diseases offering them hope (but in the small print offering perhaps 3 months longer life, not guaranteed).

Everyone involved in the process should be ashamed of themselves.