EM Politics
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Under "Articles of Incorporation" ( in Michigan, on August 26, 1968
).

Under " Purpose for which organization is formed ":  " To promote and
maintain ethical standards of private practice in emergency medicine "

Under Article II: Purposes and Functions of College:

1.  To advance the ethical standards of the private practice of emergency
medicine and surgery. 2.  To promote policy which preserves the integrity
of private practice.

Under ByLaws, Chapter II ( Ethics ):
1.  In the practice of medicine a physician shall limit the source of his
income to medical services actually rendered by him to his patients.  He
should neither pay nor receive a commission for referral of patients. 2.
The Emergency Physician shall not negotiate for a position as emergency
physician in a hospital without first notifying the incumbent emergency
physician concerning the proffered position and his interest in it. 3.
The Emergency Physician shall not associate himself in any fashion with
any institution which permits medical practice by other than a physician.
4.  An Emergency Physician should establish his fee for service performed
and should render a statement for such emergency service.

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Food for thought. Just read this in ACEP News (May 1999). Revised policy:
"Emergency physician contractual relationships."

This policy quietly brings ACEP into agreement with AAEM on several points
which had formerly divided the two EM organizations.

"...the emergency physician should retain the right to review what is
billed on his or her behalf."

"...emergency physicians... have... the right to due process in the same
general manner prescribed in the medical bylaws for other members of the
medical staff."

"emergency physician contracting entities should enter into a written
contract... only after understanding all elements of the contract,
including such important elements as covered services; administrative fees
(if any) paid to a management firm; ... compensation and billing;
non-compete covenants (if applicable); termination; and dispute
resolution."

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