It has come to the attention of the Council that a small number of physiotherapy clinics are offering physicians a fee for “approving” a physiotherapist’s treatment plan. While communication between professionals is important, the circumstances of this initiative are, in Council’s view, more in the nature of a fee to induce referrals. Physicians are reminded that the following is considered a form of professional misconduct.
35. sharing fees with, or providing compensation to, any person who has referred a patient to the member or requesting or accepting a fee, rebate, commission or other compensation for the referral of a patient;
To that end, physicians who accept such fees directly may be at risk of a complaint.
10/09
