Most physicians would refer patients to physicians outside of their health system, according to Medscape's 2018 Ethics Report.
Medscape surveyed 5,250 physicians across 29-plus specialties.
Here's what you should know:
1. Eighty-six percent of physicians would refer patients to physicians outside of their health system despite pressure to refer within their system.
2. Just 3 percent said they would not do so.
3. Eleven percent said it depends on the circumstances.
Here's what respondents said:
"If it was the best treatment for the patient, yes — but I would make it clear so the patient wasn't surprised if they received a higher bill than expected." — HIV/infectious diseases physician
"I try to do what I would want done for me, but if it's at the risk of my income, then no, as long as the patient would get acceptable results." — Family physician
"I would do so if that is the patient's choice, or the outside physician can offer the patient something that an internal physician cannot." — Family physician