Ethical Issues Related to Managed Care: An In-Depth Discussion of an Occupational Therapy Case Study

Abstract

What are the ethical responsibilities of occupational therapists when managed care plans override their clinical judgment and deny reimbursement for needed assessment or therapy? Using an example from a true case, this article presents an analysis of the ethical problems experienced in managed care when explicit business goals are in conflict with the humanistic commitments of our field. Strategies for ethical action are recommended, including: good communication with the case manager, effective advocacy for the patient, consultation with ethics resources, and advocacy at the policy-making level. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1–800–342–9678. E-mail address: [email protected]]