4 ms·
they took an oath not to refuse.
by onetokeoverthe 2y ago
they took an oath not to refuse.
- otterley 2y agoDoctors take an oath to do no harm. With few exceptions, they are not required to treat patients. If you were correct, you could get cosmetic surgery for free and with no prerequisites, assuming it wouldn’t harm you.
- cess11 2y agoWhy shouldn't they?
- otterley 2y agoThat would be called “slavery.”
- cess11 2y agoYou equate doing things for other people without money transactions, with slavery?
- otterley 2y agoIf it’s mandated by law, yes. What would you call it if you were required to work—paid or otherwise—under threat of criminal punishment?
- undersuit 2y agoMake it so I can pay without using an app and a new login to keep track of and you'll get paid.
- otterley 2y agoThat’s not a condition you are entitled to create or enforce. If you want that to be enshrined in law, speak with your local representatives.
- undersuit 2y agoThen I can't pay you for the services you rendered.
- genewitch 2y ago> this note is legal tender for all debts, public and private. I've heard the arguments, so if you're thinking you're going to win an argument with me about whether this means anything or not, you're not; but supplemental information about why what's printed on our money doesn't mean it's legally money to pay a debt to a doctor, go for it.
- otterley 2y agoI don’t think you understand how the system works. Or perhaps you do, but fantasize that reality were different. First, in a non-urgent situation, you’re going to be asked about payment prior to service, and they may refuse to treat you if you can’t pay. Second, in an emergency situation where you’re unable to provide affirmative assent, you’ll be liable for costs under the doctrine of quantum meruit (quasi-contract). If you don’t pay, the provider can sue you, in which case, the court may force you to pay on their terms.
- undersuit 2y agoI do understand the situation, thank you for the light insult, but I do go to the doctor in the US and in the both your first and second examples I've had my own different experience than you.
- otterley 2y agoWell, what happened? It may well be that you visited someone who was generous, and they didn't exercise their rights to the fullest extent. Generosity is always an option a provider can extend, but it's not something a patient can demand.
- cess11 2y agoIs the threat of criminal punishment the only incentive that works on you? You never do things because it would make someone happy or you a better person?
- otterley 2y agoThis isn’t about me; let’s not make this personal. The question was, “why shouldn’t doctors be required to treat patients?” It wasn’t, “should doctors treat some patients regardless of ability to pay?” There’s a big difference between these. The first is about compelled behavior; the second is about voluntary behavior. There’s an analogy in the legal world in the U.S.: while lawyers aren’t required to take cases for free, there’s a time-honored tradition of reserving some time to take some cases for free (aka pro bono).