Mojtaba Parsa, Azam Khorshidian,
Volume 10, Issue 0 (3-2017)
Abstract
The emergence of different types of economic relations and the desire of professionals to earn more income has led to new challenges such as conflicts of interest in the dental profession. The community expects dentists to prioritize the health and the interests of their patients in their professional activities. In this regard, one of the most important dilemmas is the confrontation between the professional duties of dentists and their profit. Business goals being preferred rather than providing specialized knowledge services by dentist is a major concern, which can lead to patients’ distrust. Fee splitting, Self-referral, receiving gifts from the patient and industrial companies are among the most significant type of conflicts of interest in the profession, which are discussed in this article in the form of four clinical cases.
Mojtaba Parsa,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Physician self-referral is the referral of a patient to a medical facility in which the referring physician has a financial interest. This can take two forms: internal referrals within the same office and external referrals, often involving joint ventures. Many claims, positive or negative, have been made regarding self-referral. Proponents claim that self referral causes, reduction of costs by fostering a competitive environment, encourage investment in health facilities particularly in underserved areas, financial benefits for both the doctor and the patient via cost reduction, and inhance the quality and accessibility of health services. Conversly, opponents, citing multiple studies, argue that self- referral may result in excessive and unnecessary utilization of healthcare services, leading to increased healthcare costs, low quality of services provided, and jeopardise patient safety. In certain countries, such as the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, ethical codes address self-referral. These guidelines either deem it unethical or require disclosure, accompnied by regulations to govern this practice.
