Coastal Research Associates, LLC

 FAQs:

Q. I am a busy physician.  Is research right for me?

A.  Enrollment is critical in the conduct of clinical research.  Busy physicians
often make the best investigators because they have a large patient population.

Q.  I am a new physician building my practice and have never done clinical
research.  Am I a candidate to be an investigator?

A.  Sponsors will consider you for trials based on your association with a
company like Coastal Research. Coastal Research is experienced in assisting
sites to maximize study subjects from their existing patient base, in addition to
acquiring outside referrals from other physicians and through advertising.

Q.  Do I have to leave my practice to conduct clinical trials?

A.  No, the Coastal Research team will come to your facility and assist in the
collection of clinical data or will provide your staff on site training so that they
will be properly suited to help with data collection.

Q. As a new investigator to clinical studies will I receive training?

A.  CRA offers on-site training and consultation to new investigators.  Along
with our training, sponsors will offer protocol specific training to the investigator
at the beginning of each trial.

Q. How do I contract to conduct clinical research and how much work is
involved prior to starting a study.

A.  Much work is required to get a study started.  Coastal Research comes to
the aid of busy physicians by negotiating contracts and budgets with the study
sponsor.  Also, CRA submits all necessary documents for study approval on
behalf of the investigator.  Thus, many man hours of required pre-study tasks
are typically reduced to a few minutes of review and signatures by the
investigator.

Q.  How does the investigator get paid?

A.  CRA distributes funds to the investigator for their clinical trial work based on
distribution of funds from the sponsor.  These distributions either occur monthly
or quarterly, based on the established agreement between the investigator and
CRA. Clinical trial patients generate more revenue than general clinical
patients.  Moreover, staff costs are reduced because money does not need to
be collected from patients or insurance providers.

Q.   How do I establish a working relationship with Coastal Research
Associates?

A.   1) Contact CRA at john@coastalresearchassociates.com to obtain an
investigator agreement, confidentiality agreement, and general questionnaire.
2)  Complete the above documents and fax them along with a current copy of
the potential investigator's CV and medical license. Fax: 770-777-1929.
3)  Coastal will market you as an investigator as trials become available that we
feel are in alignment with your expertise.
4)  Coastal Research will present the protocol and budget to you for your
consideration.  At this time you can decide whether or not to participate.

Please find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about research.  If you have any more specific questions feel free to contact our Site Director John Schuhr directly at 404-895-9257 or via email at john@coastalresearchassociates.com.