Two patients of the same healthcare provider need the same complex surgery. The provider refers one patient with comprehensive insurance benefits and adequate financial resources to a surgeon who specializes in the latest robotic-assisted surgery techniques. The provider refers the other patient, who has limited resources and insurance benefits, to a surgeon who provides the existing standard of care. Which ethical principle is most directly violated?
A) justice
B) public beneficence
C) democratic deliberation
D) responsible stewardship

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Justice is the ethical principle that requires that people be treated fairly and equitably. In this case, the provider is not treating the two patients fairly because the patient with comprehensive insurance benefits and adequate financial resources is being referred to a surgeon who specializes in the latest robotic-assisted surgery techniques, while the patient with limited resources and insurance benefits is being referred to a surgeon who provides the existing standard of care. This is a violation of justice because the patient with limited resources and insurance benefits is not being given the same opportunity to receive the best possible care.

Two Patients of the Same Healthcare Provider Need the Same