Reform must let patients make own choices

Article Abstract:

The medical profession should be permitted to monitor and control physicians' ethical and clinical standards if Health Access America is to be successful. Health Access America is based on the assumption that patients should have freedom of choice. However, freedom of choice depends on patients' ability to make the right decisions and on being informed of all options. Patients cannot always make the right decisions, and advertising by health care providers can limit information. Physicians need to monitor and control the ethical behavior of other physicians to ensure that patients' best interests are served.

Evaluation, Medical policy, Health policy, Health Access America

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Should we physicians tell our patients everything?

Article Abstract:

The question of whether to inform patients when an economic consideration has affected their care is discussed. Patients should be told if there is a significant difference in the quality of care between two alternatives, one more expensive than the other. However, perhaps they should not be told if there is only a small difference in outcomes. Reminding patients of the limitations of their medical plans may only serve to upset them while they are also trying to overcome illness. As managed medical care becomes more common, ethical issues of this kind will continue to arise.

Health Care and Social Assistance, HEALTH SERVICES, Personal Health Care, Health care industry, Managed care plans (Medical care), Self care (Health)

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With medicine there can be no 'money back guarantee.'(Column)

Article Abstract:

Physicians practicing medicine are not selling a product, and they should not advertise offering money back guarantees. The physician is paid for services which assist the patient to overcome health problems. Although there can be no guarantee, the physician is expected to show commitment to protect the patient's interests.

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