Hippocratic Hypocracy

Many OB/GYNs offer in-office ultrasounds these days. To do so, they must purchase or lease an ultrasound machine. One of the newest innovations in ultrasound technology, 4D ultrasound, is available on the GE Voluson 730 Expert; which according to Google Shopping is retailing for between $45,000 and $65,000.

Many of these doctors are likely purchasing these machines on credit -- they've set up payment plans via the distributor, a bank or other creditor to pay off their ultrasound machines in increments.

Many of these same doctors also refuse to set up payment plans with uninsured pregnant women so they can afford proper prenatal care. The hypocracy is that these doctors are setting up payment plans to afford machines which will help them make money, yet deny those who wish to set up payment plans to afford health care which will help them give life.

What worth does the Hippocratich Oath have when those doctors who so solemnly swear by it avoid being faithful to the dogma laid out in its verbage? The words "...I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone" no longer seem to have meaning to many of these doctors.

Sure, they can "justify" their refusal to offer payment plans, and therefore treatment, to pregnant women on the basis that they are not already their patients; and by saying that they are not directly causing harm to anyone by not accepting uninsured pregnant women as patients. I wonder if they've ever heard the term "lying by omission," which could be more aptly termed "harming by neglect."

These doctors will not extend the same benevolence they seek from their creditors in order to make money to those begging for the opportunity to bear healthy life.

I wonder what Hippocrates would have had to say about that?

I am PRO MOM!!!
Aaron Bouren
Advocate Aaron