Question

Psychiatrist judges patient under managed care plan will need combined psychopharm and psychotherapy for > 1yr. knows that health plan stops paying after 20 visits. Most ethical to tell patient:

Answer 1

The most ethical option for the psychiatrist is to inform the patient upfront about the limitations of their health plan and discuss alternative options.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most ethical option for the psychiatrist to tell the patient in this situation is to inform them upfront about the limitations of their health plan, including the fact that the plan will stop paying after 20 visits. The psychiatrist should provide this information to the patient in a clear and transparent manner, allowing them to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.

The psychiatrist can discuss alternative options with the patient, such as seeking a different health plan that provides more coverage for long-term therapy or exploring other resources that may offer financial assistance for ongoing treatment.

It is important for the psychiatrist to prioritize the well-being and best interest of the patient, ensuring they have the necessary information to make decisions about their mental health care.