CASE 12
You have been a physical therapist for ten years and have been practicing in
a variety of facilities. You have been working at this outpatient clinic for two
years where you treat mostly orthopedic patients. Recently a general
practitioner joined a clinic that sends you the majority of your managed care
patients.
In the last two
months this physician has sent you several patients who you believe would
benefit from seeing an orthopedic surgeon. There have been a few other patients
who should have had x-rays taken prior to being sent to you. When you called the
physician and requested a referral or x-rays, each time you were told that they
were an unnecessary expense. You are worried that you may harm a patient and
also are concerned that the patients are not receiving adequate medical care.
Are there ethical considerations?
What should you do?
What are your professional responsibilities?
What are your duties to the patient, yourself?
What are the consequences of your actions?
If you were the owner of the clinic, how would you advise the staff therapist?