'Ethical' plea made to health council

May 05 2000

By Lynne Altenroxel

A pathologist made a desperate plea to the Health Professionals Council in March to enforce regulations on ethics, saying that if they did not, then all ethical practices were threatened.

The pathologist, who has asked to remain anonymous, sent his plea in a two-page letter after being approached by several doctors who indicated they had been offered incentives by his opposition, and wanted him to offer similar schemes.

When he refused, the pathologist said, the doctors stopped supporting him.

After outlining the kickbacks offered, the letter states:
"If these trends persist, the continued existence of practices which do not function in terms of the 'new' norms will be threatened.

"We are now faced with a choice.

"Professional ethics must be restored and undesirable practices must cease.

"Direct action by institutions, such as your council, is therefore necessary.

"If not, the ethical rules and professional standards will officially be negated and the above practices must be accepted as the norm."

The letter provides more support for the expose in yesterday's edition of The Star about kickbacks being offered to doctors in return for the referral of pathology tests.

That report prompted calls for an inquiry.

The letter states that certain pathology practices are paying doctors a percentage of turnover.

In other instances, the letter continues, a "certain sum" is paid to a doctor if that doctor sends a specific number of samples to a pathology laboratory for testing.

According to the letter, these incentives are sometimes given directly to the doctors, but are also given to them indirectly through other institutions.

Health Professionals Council acting registrar Leonhard Rode said the council receives about 2 500 complaints of misconduct each year, but can investigate specific incidents only when official complaints are laid, and when evidence is readily available.

Acknowledgement to