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Eying Contemporary Medical Ethics in Healthcare Reform

By Render S. Davis; MSA, CHE

And, Staff Reporters

Not so long ago, a physician’s clinical judgment was virtually unquestioned. Now with the advent of clinical pathways and case management protocols, many aspects of treatment are outlined in algorithm-based plans that allied health professionals may follow with only minimal direct input from a physician. Much about this change has been good. Physicians have been freed from much tedious routine and are better able to watch more closely for unexpected responses to treatments or unusual outcomes and then utilize their knowledge to chart an appropriate response.  

Restrictive Protocols

What is of special concern, though, is the restrictive nature of protocols in some managed care plans that may unduly limit a physician’s clinical prerogatives to address a patient’s specific needs. Such managed care plans may prove to be the ultimate bad examples of “cook book” medicine. While some may find health care and the practice of medicine an increasingly stressful and unrewarding field, others are continuing to search for ways to assure that caring, compassionate, and ethically rewarding medicine remain at the heart of our health care system.

Assessment

Link: For another opinion: http://healthcareorganizationalethics.blogspot.com/2009/09/obamas-speech-good-ethics-and-good.html

Conclusion

And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. How does the specter of HR 3200-3400 in the healthcare reform debate impact the concept of medical autonomy and professional ethics? Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, be sure to subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.

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Filed under: Book Reviews, Career Development, CMP Program, Ethics, iMBA, Inc., Managed Care | Tagged: bioethics, Business of Medical Practice, cook book medicine, david marcinko, healthcare reform, HR 3200, HR 3400, managed care treatment algorithms, medical ethics, medical judgment, medical protocols, obama, ObamaCare, physician autonomy, Render Davis, www.medicalbusinessadvisors.com | 1 Comment »