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12. Dr. Jones buys an X-ray machine and hires a technician so that X-rays can be performed at his office, capturing the fees that these generate.
#Response DateComment
1.Tue, 3/13/07 10:57 PMon whether or not he is over prescribing unnecessary tests.
2.Tue, 3/13/07 11:30 PMIf Dr. Jones continues to prescribe films in an evidenced-based manner, there is no conflict of interest. If Dr. Jones prescribes films for specious reasons in order to generate income, there is a conflict of interest. Given the nature of healthcare in our country, Dr. Jones needs to think as a business-person if s/he is in private practice.
3.Wed, 3/14/07 12:53 AMAgain, counting on Dr. Jones' good character there would be no conflict of interests.
4.Wed, 3/14/07 1:16 AMIf the number of tests he orders exceeds the number prior to his purchase, this is a serious conflict.
5.Wed, 3/14/07 3:00 AMIt depends on if the X-rays are necessary. If they are, then there is no COI and it provides a service to his patients (as long as all proper rules and regulations are followed and the priority is quality patient care. If any of the X-rays are not appropriately necessary, then it is a complete and serious COI.
6.Wed, 3/14/07 2:46 PMIt has potential for COI if he over-prescribes X-rays in order to gain extra income
7.Thu, 3/15/07 4:21 AMThere is only a conflict of interest if the physician allows this to alter who he prescribes X-rays for. If he was honestly going to prescribe the X-ray regardless, then it is more convenient for the patient and I see no conflict of interest. The conflict arises if the physician begins over-prescribing X-rays to make more money.
8.Sun, 3/18/07 3:17 PMIf the number of x-rays at the office increases drastically, then yes, thats a COI. Simply getting an x-ray machine may however, improve pt care if utilized appropriately.