Code of Medical Ethics

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Code of Medical Ethics :

http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?category=CEJA & assn=AMA & f_n=mSearch & s_t= & st_p= & nth=1 &

Opinions on the Patient- Physician Relationship:

http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?f_n=browse & doc=policyfiles/E-10.00.HTM & & s_t= & st_p= & nth=1 & prev_pol=policyfiles/HnE/H-525.998.HTM & nxt_pol=policyfiles/E-1.00.HTM &

Fundamental Elements of the Patient-Physician Relationship:

http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?f_n=browse & doc=policyfiles/HnE/E-10.01.HTM & & s_t= & st_p= & nth=1 & prev_pol=policyfiles/HnE/E-9.132.HTM & nxt_pol=policyfiles/HnE/E-10.01.HTM &

.....'Physicians can best contribute to this alliance by serving as their patients’ advocate and by fostering these rights: (1) The patient has the right to receive information from physicians and to discuss the benefits, risks, and costs of appropriate treatment alternatives. Patients should receive guidance from their physicians as to the optimal course of action. '

Question : If the 'Code' mandates the patient must be informed of ' appropriate treatment alternatives', and if the doctor is 'informed' of these alternatives, then does failure to give this info. become a breach of the 'Code' ?

sharron fuchs dc