The American Medical Association’s (AMA) Code of Ethics, the Utah Medical Practice Act Rule and our Intermountain Medical Record Content Policy and Fraud Policy collectively work as a multipronged ask that providers do not treat members of immediate families or households unless in an emergency with no other provider around.
Treating members of our own families may compromise professional objectivity, medical judgment and therefore patient safety. Violating the AMA Code of Ethics in Utah can subject providers to fines and citations. And Medicare and SelectHealth don’t even pay for services performed by family members or others residing in the immediate household.
Moreover, not providing full and accurate medical records threatens patient safety, appropriate treatment and continuity of care. Providing care but not documenting in the medical record and not billing for services is fraudulent behavior and exposes providers to liability.
Providing this kind of care is happening regularly throughout our system—from doing procedures on family members, to using Intermountain resources or medications (e.g. opioids or antibiotics) to treat family members, without updating medical records or billing for services rendered. We ask that you don’t do it—for your own protection and for the best possible outcomes for our families.
Treating members of our own families may compromise professional objectivity, medical judgment and therefore patient safety. Violating the AMA Code of Ethics in Utah can subject providers to fines and citations. And Medicare and SelectHealth don’t even pay for services performed by family members or others residing in the immediate household.
Moreover, not providing full and accurate medical records threatens patient safety, appropriate treatment and continuity of care. Providing care but not documenting in the medical record and not billing for services is fraudulent behavior and exposes providers to liability.
Providing this kind of care is happening regularly throughout our system—from doing procedures on family members, to using Intermountain resources or medications (e.g. opioids or antibiotics) to treat family members, without updating medical records or billing for services rendered. We ask that you don’t do it—for your own protection and for the best possible outcomes for our families.