Final answer:
A physician can refuse treatment in a non-emergency situation. In emergencies, hospitals are required by law to provide care. Lack of insurance can lead to postponed care and higher emergency service costs, affecting taxpayers and insured individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
D) When it is a non-emergency situation A physician can refuse to treat a patient when it is a non-emergency situation. In non-emergency circumstances, a doctor has the discretion to decide whether to take on a new patient. However, in cases of emergency, US law obliges hospitals to provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay or insurance status. This is to ensure that everyone has access to life-saving treatment when it is most needed. On the other hand, those without insurance often delay seeking medical help until their condition worsens, which can lead to using emergency services as a last resort, often at a much higher cost. This cost is then passed onto taxpayers and insured individuals through higher insurance premiums and taxes, an economic burden termed an 'externality'. Despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which provided many with insurance, the lack of insurance is still a significant barrier to accessing health care services for many Americans.
A physician can refuse to treat a patient in certain situations: When the patient has a "disease" that poses a risk to the health of others,. When the patient is uninsured, providing healthcare services can be costly, and hospitals may not have the resources to accommodate everyone. When it is a "non-emergency situation, as physicians prioritize treating patients based on the severity of their condition. It is important to note that these situations are subject to legal and ethical considerations, and physicians are generally expected to provide care to those in need.