Diagnostic and laboratory referrals: Balancing clinical judgement, ethics, and patient autonomy

The practice of classical medicine is grounded in the integration of the best available scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values. While this triad defines evidence-based medicine, a less obvious yet highly consequential aspect of contemporary care is the physician's preference for specific diagnostic laboratories, imaging centres, radiology specialists, or referral institutions for advanced management. This issue merits careful ethical scrutiny, as it encompasses both legitimate clinical judgement and potential conflicts of interest [1].