'Doctors demand pathology kickbacks'

May 07 2000

By Lynne Altenroxel

Pathology companies have accused doctors of playing off one company against another to get more benefits, saying doctors approached them for better offers after having being promised deals by rival practices.

This follows an investigation that revealed that pathology giants Ampath and Lancet were paying doctors perverse incentives in return for test referrals.

Company managers of both Ampath and Lancet say they have, on occasion, been approached by doctors who claim to have been promised deals by other laboratories and want better offers.

This was verified by Lancet board chairperson Dr Gangaram Haripasad and Dr Francois de Villiers, chairperson of the Du Buisson practice within the Ampath grouping.

Asked how the pathology companies dealt with these requests, Haripasad said: "as best we see fit."

De Villiers said issues such as expected turnover and expenses involved would be considered before a decision was made at a doctor's request.

This is also confirmed in a letter in which a pathologist in March complained to the Health Professions Council about doctors approaching his business for incentives.

It states: "I was recently approached by several doctors ... and asked if my practice also offers rewards. Certain doctors have already indicated that they will no longer use my services because they are not receiving financial benefits."

The National Pathology Group, part of the SA Medical Association, also alluded to this in a statement released by chairperson Dr Tjaart Erasmus: "Pathologists have increasingly found the pressures by their clinical colleagues for commissions unacceptable and abhorrent."

Erasmus said it was in the public interest that doctors accepting kickbacks were named.

"It is a pity that only Ampath and Lancet are named when others are likely also involved," Erasmus stated.

He said it was ironic that Lancet and Ampath had been actively involved in withdrawing from doubtful practices over recent months.

Acknowledgement to