Medical corporations support AMA Code of conduct

Dr Phelps said it was agreed that the provision of high quality medical and health services to the Australian community should be underpinned by a code.

"The code, as drafted by the AMA, addresses issues and perceptions arising from the debate within the medical profession and the broader community about the corporatisation of medical practice," Dr Phelps said

"The AMA has led the way in confronting the issues arising out of the rapid acceleration of corporatisation.

"It is important that AMA members and all doctors are able to make an informed choice when approached to join a corporate medical practice. We produced an information kit last month to help doctors make this decision.

"At the same time, the AMA is ensuring that patient care is not diminished in any way.

"Corporatised medical practice is here to stay and will get bigger. It is the AMA's job to ensure that the interests of doctors and their patients are protected in the transition.

"I am encouraged by the willingness of the medical corporations to listen to our concerns, heed our advice, and work in partnership to develop and implement a code of conduct.

"A code is the most effective way of ensuring that the ethics of the medical profession are clearly and transparently embedded in the relationships between doctors and corporate entities.

"The AMA code covers the clinical independence of doctors, contractual arrangements and medico-legal issues, and the ongoing consultative arrangements between the medical profession and the major corporations.

"When finalised, it will be an industry code to apply to all doctors and medical practice companies," Dr Phelps said.

AMA officials and the medical corporations will discuss the code of conduct with the Health Minister and Health Department officials in Canberra tomorrow. One idea to be canvassed is the formation of an independent industry body - made up of representatives of the AMA, other medical groups and the corporates - to monitor and assess compliance with the code.

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CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761