Assignment:
A major HMO in City X provides financial incentives for physician practices and to physicians whose referral rates to specialists are below a certain number annually. What is your analysis of the ethical issues raised by this practice? Should physicians have a specific ethical duty to disclose these incentives to all patients?
Argue both sides of the issue, explicitly basing your arguments on ethical theories and/or principles.
Please include:
- Beneficience
- Gag clause vs. informed consent & patient autonomy
- Physician fiduciary responsibiilty vs. financial responsibility
- Physician autonomy vs. administrative control
Your answer must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format.