The AMA was founded in part to establish the first national code of medical ethics. Today the Code is widely recognized as authoritative ethics guidance for physicians through its Principles of Medical Ethics interpreted in Opinions of AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that address the evolving challenges of contemporary practice.
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.
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.
Because health care is a fundamental human good, society has an obligation to make access to an adequate level of care available to all its members, regardless of ability to pay.
Physicians have a responsibility to contribute their expertise to developing resource allocation policies that are fair and that safeguard the welfare of patients.
Physicians individually and collectively have an ethical responsibility to ensure that all persons have access to needed care regardless of their economic means.
Physicians should hold leaders accountable to meeting conditions for professionalism in health care systems. This includes advocating for changes in health care payment and delivery models to promote access to high quality care for all patients, recognizing that over-reliance on financial incentives may undermine physician professionalism.