In early October 2002, the U.S. Office of the Inspector General warned drug companies that offering incentives, such as concert tickets and vacations, to physicians could lead to civil or criminal charges. The policy came after years of concern about drug industry marketing practices that critics said influenced doctors to prescribe certain drugs that led to higher costs for consumers. Although the policy did not bar nominal-cost gifts, golf balls, or bags emblazoned with company logos, meals other than those in conjunction with medical education, concert and other entertainment tickets, cash