Laboratory Services

The WSMA believes that a physician should not misrepresent the laboratory services performed and supervised by a non-physician as the physician's professional services. The professional relationship between the laboratory and the physician should be clear and not misleading. (Reaffirmed A-17)

The WSMA believes it is unethical for two or more physicians to secretly split or share the fees that have been given by a patient supposedly as reimbursement for the service of one person alone. When it is more practical for the physician to include the laboratory charge in his/her own statement, the physician's bill to the patient should indicate the charges apart from the charges for his/her own professional services. (JC 8.08-87) (Amended A-17)

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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:

EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health Services