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AMA Code of Medical Ethics

Code of Medical Ethics overview
A page from the AMA Code of Medical Ethics

Code of Medical Ethics Preface & Preamble
Page zoomed in on the word ethics, being underlined by a red-inked pen

Why does the medical profession need a code of ethics?
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2 MIN READ

Fee Splitting

Payment by or to a physician or health care institution solely for referral of a patient is fee splitting and is unethical.

Ethics
2 MIN READ

Interest & Finance Charges

Patients should make reasonable efforts to meet their financial responsibilities or to discuss financial hardships with their physicians.

Ethics
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Fees for Nonclinical & Administrative Services

Physicians have a responsibility to balance patients’ needs and expectations with responsible business practices.

Ethics
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Fees for Medical Services

Physicians should not recommend, provide or charge for unnecessary medical services.

Ethics
3 MIN READ

Medically Ineffective Interventions

Physicians should only recommend and provide interventions that are medically appropriate.

Ethics
4 MIN READ

Orders Not to Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR)

The ethical obligation to respect patient autonomy and self-determination requires that the physician respect decisions to refuse care.

Ethics
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Withholding or Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Treatment

A patient who has decision-making capacity appropriate to the decision at hand has the right to decline any medical intervention.

Ethics
4 MIN READ

Advance Directives

An advance directive never takes precedence over the contemporaneous wishes of a patient who has decision-making capacity.

Ethics
2 MIN READ

Retainer Practices

Physicians must uphold their primary professional obligation of fidelity and their responsibility to treat all patients with courtesy, respect and dignity.

Ethics