Pathology group tried to stop kickbacks

May 09 2000

By Lynne Altenroxel

The National Pathology Group, the body governing pathology in South Africa, tried two years ago to place a moratorium on unethical "incentive schemes" between pathologists and doctors, but failed.

This information was contained in a confidential memorandum sent to member pathology laboratories by its chairperson, Dr Tjaart Erasmus, in December 1998. The memorandum asks pathologists to refrain from offering incentives to doctors in return for increased test referrals.

An investigation by The Star has revealed that incentives are being paid by some of South Africa's biggest pathology companies to doctors, in spite of this being in contravention of existing codes of conduct.

Altogether 27 different incentive schemes are listed in the memorandum, including payment for drawing blood, payment to the doctor or his family, and provision of computers, fax machines or cellphones to doctors.

But the memorandum also notes that this list "cannot be considered as exhaustive, nor should the omission of some scheme be deemed as giving any affirmation to such a scheme".

It goes on: "A moratorium was declared by certain practices at a meeting held on July 9 1998 on any new incentive schemes.

"It became apparent that the moratorium lacks clarity and it was decided to enlarge on the original and submit this for signature to all member practices.

"It must be understood that the signature of this document in no way acknowledges participation or guilt in any of these processes. This avoids the perception that only certain groups are involved."

Erasmus adds: "I would plead that this moratorium be signed in order that the process may be halted, with the final objective of eliminating all perverse incentives."

Acknowledgement to