Patients Allegedly Pressured to Use Specific Diagnostic Centres
Allegations that some private doctors are insisting that patients undergo diagnostic tests only at specific laboratories have raised questions over patient choice, referral practices and medical ethics in the city.
A Srikakulam resident who consulted a doctor near the Collectorate for severe back pain was advised to undergo six tests. A diagnostic centre recommended by the doctor quoted nearly ₹8,000, while another laboratory offered to conduct the same tests for about ₹5,000.
The patient alleged that after the first laboratory informed the doctor about his inquiry, the doctor’s assistant called him and insisted he have the tests done at the recommended centre. He eventually underwent the tests there and paid the higher amount.
In another case, near Zilla Parishad Junction, a patient was prescribed tests costing about ₹6,000. The same tests were available at another laboratory for ₹4,200. The patient alleged that the doctor’s assistant objected to his decision and spoke to him inappropriately.
The incidents have led to allegations of financial arrangements between some doctors and diagnostic centres. It has been alleged that laboratories pay commissions of 20% to 40% on certain tests prescribed by doctors. Claims of additional incentives, including sponsored foreign trips, have also been made.
Patients have also alleged that some doctors are unwilling to accept reports from laboratories other than those they recommend. Senior doctors said diagnostic tests should be prescribed on clinical grounds and that patients should not be pressured in choosing a laboratory.
District Medical and Health Officer P. Jagadeeswara Rao said doctors had no authority to insist that patients undergo tests at a particular diagnostic centre. “Patients facing such difficulties can bring the matter to the notice of the health department. Appropriate action will be taken after verification,” he said.
Dr. Rao stressed that doctors should follow professional ethics and said such practices, if established, could adversely affect public confidence in the medical profession. The complaints have highlighted the need for greater transparency in diagnostic referrals and for greater awareness among patients of their right to choose diagnostic facilities.