Give Your Personal Opinion To Samantha Thompson And Benjamin

Give Your Personal Opinion To Samantha Thompson Andbenjamin Schortgen

In examining the perspectives of Samantha Thompson and Benjamin Schortgen regarding healthcare billing ethics, it is evident that both highlight critical issues surrounding transparency and fairness in the healthcare financial process. Thompson emphasizes the ethical obligation of healthcare providers and institutions to ensure transparency in billing, especially given the complexities patients face in understanding healthcare costs. Her concern about the lack of clarity in billing processes and the importance of preoperative financial discussions underscores a fundamental ethical principle: patients should be adequately informed to make essential health decisions. Thompson rightly points out that, even if unpredictable complications arise, transparent communication about potential additional costs is ethically necessary to respect patient autonomy and informed consent.

Schortgen’s perspective adds a broader system-level critique, emphasizing how current billing practices often conflict with the ideal of fairness. He questions the fairness of a system where government-mandated prices and third-party contracts effectively dictate what hospitals can charge, often resulting in significant disparities between charges for patients who pay out-of-pocket and those covered by insurance or government programs. His assertion that the government’s control over pricing can suppress transparency and equitable pricing is compelling, suggesting that deregulation and upfront cost disclosures could improve fairness. This viewpoint aligns with ethical principles advocating for justice and equitable access to healthcare services.

Both perspectives converge on the importance of transparency and fairness but differ slightly in focus. Thompson concentrates on the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers directly interacting with patients, such as honest communication about billing and potential costs. Schortgen, meanwhile, considers systemic reforms that could establish a more equitable pricing structure across the healthcare system. Recognizing these complementary viewpoints underscores that sustainable ethical healthcare practices must address both individual-level communication and systemic pricing reforms.

In my opinion, achieving truly ethical billing practices in healthcare necessitates a multifaceted approach. First, healthcare providers should prioritize transparent communication regarding potential costs before procedures, including discussing possible complications and their financial implications. Such transparency respects patient autonomy and reduces post-service financial surprises, which can cause distress and undermine trust. Implementing standardized preoperative cost estimates, where feasible, would be beneficial, although it should be acknowledged that unpredictable complications may still alter final bills. Still, open dialogue about the potential for increased costs fosters trust and aligns with ethical communication standards.

Simultaneously, systemic reforms are equally vital. Removing barriers to clear, upfront pricing—potentially by deregulating certain pricing mechanisms—could empower consumers and foster competition, potentially driving down costs and increasing transparency. Furthermore, adopting technology platforms that provide real-time estimates and itemized billing could improve transparency across the healthcare system. These reforms could help address systemic inequities where self-pay patients are often unfairly burdened by full list prices, which are usually inflated compared to negotiated insurance rates.

Moreover, ethical considerations should extend beyond transparency to include affordability and access. Policies supporting sliding scale fees or financial assistance programs can ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from receiving necessary care. This aligns with the principle of justice, which demands fair distribution of healthcare resources and equitable treatment regardless of economic status. Healthcare institutions should also be held accountable through regulatory oversight to ensure that billing practices adhere to ethical standards of honesty, fairness, and respect for patient dignity.

In conclusion, both Thompson and Schortgen’s insights highlight essential components of ethical healthcare billing: communication, transparency, systemic fairness, and accessibility. To cultivate trust and uphold ethical standards, healthcare entities must adopt a dual approach—enhancing transparent communication with patients at the point of care and advocating for systemic reforms that foster fair, understandable pricing structures. Only by addressing both individual and systemic factors can healthcare providers truly meet the ethical obligations owed to their patients and society at large.

References

• American Hospital Association. (n.d.). Hospital Billing Explained.
• Merriam-Webster. (2019). Fair. Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2020). Transparency in Coverage Final Rule. CMS.gov.
• Joint Commission. (2018). Improving Patient Communication and Transparency. JCR Healthcare.
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