Rod Mohr was having trouble sleeping. His physician prescribed a CPAP machine. Rod's insurance covers the machine for 30 days, with physician certification that the patient is using the machine every night and that the patient is seen every 30 days. After 30 days, Rod went to see his doctor and the doctor asked if he was using the machine. Rod said, "Well, I use it, but about half the time." Rod's physician says, "I am going to go ahead and certify that you are using it daily. But let's do better this next month. I am not really fond of all this insurance intervention into how I treat my patients, and insurers have plenty of profits. So, I am just signing." Which of the following is correct?
A) There is no ethical issue because the question is adequate health care for Rod.
B) The physician used an either/or reasoning to justify the false certification.
C) Since Rod is still using the machine, the certification is accurate.
D) Because this decision is not personally beneficial to the physician, there is no ethical issue.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The physician used either/or reasoning to justify the false certification, which is unethical. The physician had an obligation to be truthful and fulfill the requirements of the insurance company, even if they disagree with the intervention of insurers in healthcare decisions. The physician's personal beliefs and financial gain should not impact their professional duty to their patient.

Rod Mohr Was Having Trouble Sleeping