Some years ago, Council was advised that certain physicians were insisting their patients submit to an annual complete examination, on an uninsured basis, as a condition of continuing care. It was Council's view that this was unacceptable. Under the Code of Ethics, patients are entitled to accept or refuse medical care. If such a procedure is necessary, on medical grounds, then it should be provided as an appropriately insured service. If it is not medically indicated, then it cannot be a condition of continuing care as an appropriately insured service.
07/04