ronment where it is difficult for doctors to be completely honest. Doctors are supposed to be looking after the interests of their patients, and they sometimes see lying as the only way to skirt the policies of some HMO’s.The author takes the position that it is morally and ethically wrong for doctors to lie to insurance companies. However, in the current health system, dishonest pays. This creates a continuous cycle of corruption. The integrity of the medical community is at stake – and patients have become the pawns. Health insurance companies have indeed created the problem – but lying is not the answer. “This cycle of deception begetting new rules begetting new deceptions could continue indefinitely.” The author’s opinion appears unbiased. He presents the facts and both sides of the issue, and condemns them both. Perhaps someday we can agree upon a reasonable system where the needs of the patient come before the wallet of the insurance company. Only then will doctors feel that they are not obligated to lie and integrity will be restored to the American health system....
