The Ethics Of Retail Radiology

Submitted By Crasians
Words: 2367
Pages: 10
Open Document
"The Ethics of Retail Radiology

Imagine a future where diseases are caught in their infancy and disorders are slowed, stopped and even reversed before patients ever suffer from the symptoms. With AccuScan, that future is available right now, right here in Salt Lake City (1).

Nestled between a megaplex and a boutique in the Gateway outdoor mall, AccuScan Health Imaging is a body imaging center that offers the promise of early disease detection in asymptomatic individuals. No physician referral is required; any customer willing to pay out-of-pocket can choose from a selection of computed tomography (CT) screening exams, including whole body scan, heart scan (coronary artery calcium screen), lung scan, head scan, and virtual colonoscopy. The scans are read by a board-certified radiologist and the patient receives the images, a detailed written report, and referral to a specialist if there are any concerning findings (1).

A decade ago, self-referred body imaging centers were on the rise, fueled by publicity on talk shows, stories in health magazines, direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, and dissatisfaction with managed care. Within a few years, however, the retail radiology bubble burst, and many initially successful centers went out of business (2). The collapse has been attributed to economic forces (e.g., competition driving down prices) and the influence of medical professional societies, which have been uniformly skeptical of the value of whole-body screening. Critics have raised many concerns, such as unethical advertising, unnecessary radiation exposure, high false-positive rates, and low cost-effectiveness (3-6). The FDA warns that "whole-body CT screening has not been demonstrated to meet generally accepted criteria for an effective screening procedure" (7).

In spite of these misgivings, the demand for imaging centers like AccuScan has not evaporated completely. They remain unregulated by the FDA (7). A recent survey found that 2% of radiologists still support whole-body CT screening, and many more support CT screening exams of the heart or lungs in particular patients (3). Supporters emphasize the patient’s right to know and argue that the benefits of early disease detection outweigh the risks (8,9).

Are self-referred imaging centers ethical? In this paper I would like to examine the controversy in the light of widely accepted bioethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice. How does each principle support or discredit the practices of retail radiology? At the end, rather than simply applying the label of "ethical" or "unethical," I would like to address a more practical question: what can businesses like AccuScan do to function as ethically as possible?

Autonomy

Take control of your own health and stay as healthy as you feel with AccuScan (1).

One of the most compelling arguments in favor of self-referred imaging centers is patient autonomy. Proponents view their services as a form of "medical self-empowerment" (9). Frustrated with a "paternalistic payor-physician culture that controls the practice of medicine and patient referral,"(10) some customers are willing to pay more for a different kind of experience. In addition to data the patient cannot obtain from their regular providers, AccuScan promises a visit with "no green scrubs, sterile surroundings, long waits, or impersonal treatment" (1). Patients enjoy the highest possible sense of autonomy because they are paying out-of-pocket for a service of their choice.

However, critics contend that patients are choosing whole-body CT scans with incomplete or even inaccurate information (6). According to the AMA Code of Ethics, the "patient’s right of self-decision can be effectively exercised only if the patient possesses enough information to enable an informed choice" (11). One analysis of print advertisements and brochures concluded that DTC marketing of self-referred imaging services "fails to provide prospective
Show More

Related Documents: The Ethics Of Retail Radiology

Anatomy Notes Essay

Anatomy & Physiology 2 December 10, 2013 Chapter 18- The Cardiovascular System: The Blood Blood (Connective Tissue) Plasma- liquid potion of blood 55% plasma Formed elements- cells and cell fragments of blood RBC= red blood cell WBC= white blood cells or leukocytes- platelets Hemopoiesis – blood cell production Pluripotent stem cell- cells with capacity to develop into several types of cells Blood is very unique, nothing else is like it. Blood cell production takes place in…

Words 674 - Pages 3

Notes On Anatomy And Physiology

Natalia Chapman Anatomy and Physiology Exam Re-grade III 1a. A – For this question I lost points because I honestly got mixed up with the words spermatogonia and spermatozoon. Spermatogonia is actually the specialized cells that sperm production beings with, these cells lie on the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule. When the spermatogonia begin to divide sperm production begins. B – The correct answer should be spermatozoa or spermatozoon. In the first division of sperm development…

Words 2341 - Pages 10

Anatomy Notes Essay

Chapter 17: Blood Vessels 1. Hemostasis * Stops blood loss from damaged blood vessel walls * Establishes framework for tissue repairs * Usually divided into 3 phases but continuous process 1. Vascular phase 2. Platelet phase 3. Coagulation phase 2. Events of the vascular phase * Endothelial cells contract exposing underlying basal lamina to bloodstream * Endothelial cells release chemical factors, local hormones, and endothelins…

Words 769 - Pages 4

Anatomy Notes Essay example

JOINTS The place where 2 bones meet is called joint Synovial Joints 1.These are classified according to the shape of the bone ends 2.A joint occurs when 2 bones meet and allow some form of movement 3. Synovial joints are extremely mobile and can withstand the demands of movement necessary for certain sports Ball and Socket Joints ­ Multi axail / Multi rotational Shoulder and hip Hinge Joint ­Flexion and extension Bones­ Jumpshot­ Basketball Basketball Hinge Joints used­…

Words 1474 - Pages 6

Reflection Notes: The Anatomy Of The United States

inhaling: diaphragm contracts, rib cage rises and increases the volume of the chest cavity, air rushes into the lungs expiration: diaphragm relaxes & moves up into original dome shape. This decreases the chest volume & moves air out of the lungs diaphragm: a sheet of muscle that separates the organs of the chest cavity from those of the abdminal cavity. Moves up and down to aid in respiration. alveoli: tiny air sacs within the lungs where gas exchange occurs between air & blood. 1 cell thick and…

Words 522 - Pages 3

Essay on Anatomy Ch 1 Notes

MAMMALIAN ANATOMY: BIO. 2233; FALL 2013 • Monday, August 26, Classes Begin • Monday, September 2, LABOR DAY HOLIDAY • Monday, September 9, Last Day to Drop a Course • Tuesday, October 22, Last Day to withdraw a Course • Wednesday, Oct. 23; Registration begins(Spring- 2014) • Thursday to Sunday, Nov. 28 to 30: THANKS GIVING BREAK • Wednesday, Dec. 4: Weekday classes end • Thursday & Friday, Dec. 5 & 6: Study days • MONDAY DECEMBER 9 TO 14 FINAL EXAMS SOME POINEERS OF THE CONTEMPORARY ANATOMY ARISTOTLE:…

Words 1254 - Pages 6

Student: Feedback and Human Body Essay

have more multimedia and some extra examples, but the content is essentially the same as your printable outline] I. Anatomy vs. Physiology A. Anatomy - the study of the structure and organization of the human body B. Physiology - the study of body function II. Topics of Anatomy A. GROSS Anatomy - the study of body structures that can be seen with the naked eye 1. SYSTEMIC Anatomy - all of the organs with related functions are studied together as a system; for example, the skeletal system; we…

Words 1887 - Pages 8

Cell and Membrane Renewal Vesicles Essay examples

of anatomy and physiology: 1. Generally speaking, what does the study of anatomy and physiology tell you about structure and function relationships in the human body? What determines function? - Structure determines function. Anatomy is how we describe structures, where it is located, what it is made of, and who it is related to. The physiology tells us the function. 2. Anatomy and physiology can be studied from many perspectives. What is meant by gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy? What…

Words 943 - Pages 4

Essay on study guide chapter 6

Chapter 1 - The Human Body: Notes Mrs. Peck I. AN OVERVIEW OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (p. 2) A. Anatomy (p. 2) Anatomy- the study of the structure and shape of the body & body parts & their relationships to one another 1. Gross Anatomy- study of large observable structures 2. Microscopic Anatomy- study of cells & tissues of body (as seen thru microscope) Dissection- aimed at helping us understand the f’ns of ea of the various levels of organization, but body works as a whole & is more complex…

Words 519 - Pages 3

Why Does Da Vinci Need To Know Human Anatomy

really good paintings. Leonardo Da Vinci was a really great painter because he knew human anatomy. In the writing, Art of Painting, he explains that painters need to know human anatomy in order to paint human bodies correctly. They need to know human anatomy in order to show age in their paintings and to show details throughout nature correctly. Leonardo Da Vinci explains that artists need to know the human anatomy in order to show age in paintings. For example, Da Vinci states that, “limbs of youths…

Words 564 - Pages 3