Ethics Opinions

Physicians within institutions that have or are contemplating a merger of secular and faith-based institutions have a responsibility to protect the community that the institution serves as well as the integrity of the institution, and other physicians and professionals who practice in association with it, while recognizing that physicians’ primary obligation is to their patients.

Health disparities across patient populations reflect deeply embedded, historically rooted socioeconomic and political dynamics. Physicians and health care institutions have a duty to serve as agents of change to address these structural barriers to optimal health for all.

Physicians should not recommend, provide, or charge for unnecessary medical services; nor should they make intentional misrepresentations to increase the level of payment they receive or to secure non-covered health benefits for their patients.

Physicians have a responsibility to balance patients’ needs and expectations with responsible business practices. With respect to fees for nonclinical or administrative services provided in conjunction with patient care, physicians should clearly notify patients in advance of fees charged by the practice (if any) for nonclinical or administrative services and base fees (if any).

Financial obstacles to medical care can directly affect patients’ well-being and may diminish physicians’ ability to use their knowledge and skills on patients’ behalf. Physicians should not be expected to risk the viability of their practices or compromise quality of care by routinely providing care without compensation. Patients should make reasonable efforts to meet their financial responsibilities or to discuss financial hardships with their physicians.

Payment by or to a physician or health care institution solely for referral of a patient is fee splitting and is unethical.