Ethical Dilemma in the Medical Field

Ethical Dilemma in the Medical Field: The Hippocratic Oath vs. Fraud
Diana C. Riojas
Arlington, Texas

Ethical Dilemma in the Medical Field: The Hippocratic Oath vs. Fraud

Abstract
With Healthcare being one of the most regulated industries in the United States, it is still plagued by fraudulent doctors, business people, nurses etc. and defrauding the United States Government out of millions to billions of dollars. Somehow, the individuals who defraud the Government rationalize their decisions and undermine the words from the Hippocratic Oath they take when they become doctors. The newest version of the Hippocratic Oath from the currently revised Declaration of Geneva gives statements such as “I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; The health of my patient will be my first consideration.” The thought process of these individuals could be taken down the path of ethical relativity almost to the point of Freudian thought to better understand what makes them commit fraud despite their Oath. Another way to look at it, it could be because of the Hippocratic Oath that they decide to defraud the Government for the health of their patients.

Ethical Dilemma in the Medical Field: The Hippocratic Oath vs. Fraud
References
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