Four opinions from the AMA Code of Medical Ethics' on physician responsibility under various models of payment of care.

The use of coded patient data for reimbursement purposes can tempt clinicians to exaggerate the severity of the patient's condition, skewing the accuracy of the data and interfering with clinical decision support and research.

At Geisinger Health System, the experience has been that good care can lead to lower costs, but replicating its success might be difficult given its unique history and demographic situation.

AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ opinions on patient requests for and use of non-prescribed treatments.

The AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ opinions on cost containment, payment structures, and financial incentives.

Physicians are not obligated to offer testing or treatments that are not medically indicated—even if patients demand them. This does not mean, however, that a physician should be dismissive of the patient’s concerns.

The AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ opinion on physician pay-for-performance programs.

Though conservative management can be perceived as withholding care, sometimes it is in the patient's, not just the hospital's or clinic's, best interest.

The words doctors write can have far-reaching consequences, particularly legal ones, for their patients. This article will help physicians understand the power of diagnosis in one area where their counsel is often sought—social security disability determination.

When colleagues request treatment that is not medically indicated, clinicians should show empathy and respect without compromising judgment.