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Professional courtesy--current practices and attitudes

M A Levy1, R M Arnold, M J Fine

  • 1Division of Primary Care/Geriatrics, Medical Center of Central Massachusetts, Worcester 01605.

The New England Journal of Medicine
|November 25, 1993
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Physicians widely offer professional courtesy, providing free or discounted care to colleagues and their families. Most doctors support this practice, viewing it as beneficial for professional relationships and sound business.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Economics
  • Healthcare Policy
  • Professional Ethics

Background:

  • Physicians traditionally offer professional courtesy, providing free or reduced-cost care to fellow physicians and their families.
  • Recent changes in this long-standing practice prompted a national survey to assess current trends.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence and nature of professional courtesy among practicing physicians in the United States.
  • To understand physicians' opinions on the practice and identify any shifts in policy over time.

Main Methods:

  • A stratified national mail survey was conducted using the American Medical Association's 1991 master list of physicians.
  • A random sample of 4800 physicians from 12 direct-care specialties were surveyed about their professional courtesy policies and views.

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Main Results:

  • Ninety-six percent of respondents offered professional courtesy, with psychiatrists being less likely to do so (80%).
  • Common forms included billing only the insurance company (75%), providing care at no charge (49%), or offering a partial discount (23%).
  • Twenty-three percent had changed their policies, often to bill only insurance or reduce free care, while most physicians viewed it positively for professional bonds and business.

Conclusions:

  • The vast majority of American physicians engaged in direct patient care offer professional courtesy.
  • Physicians generally support professional courtesy, despite some concerns about cost and impact on patient interactions.