Providing health care to patients in the United States happens within the nation's health care industrial complex. In 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported via the National Health Expenditures Fact Sheet that U.S. health expenditures amounted to $4.9 trillion, or $14,570 per individual, and predicted the trajectory will continue upward with no relief in sight. Since the 1980s, health care ethicists, especially those who are also health care practitioners, such as Edmund Pellegrino, have elucidated the negative consequences on both practitioners and patients from the influence and prioritization of implementing business practices into health care.
By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
Ethics in Practice | Ethical Double Agents in the Business of Health Care
How business practices in health care made us ethical double agents — and what ethicists recommend to navigate priorities.
Date: May 1, 2025
Contact: aptamag@apta.org
Content Type: Column
Debra Gorman-Badar, PT, PhD (Bioethics), and Aliya Chaudry, PT, DPT, JD, MBA
You Might Also Like...
News
Shutdown FAQs: Impact on Federal Payors, Health Care Practices, and TelehealthSep 25, 2025
As APTA members are aware, the clock is ticking for Congress to avert a government shutdown — that deadline, Sept. 30, is fast approaching, and there is
News
APTA Advocacy Win: Anthem Changes Payment Policy to Document Total Time per CodeSep 24, 2025
After advocacy efforts from APTA staff and members, Anthem has changed its reimbursement policy so that PTs are no longer required to document start and
Article
APTA Submits Member Nomination to New Committee Advising HHS SecretarySep 24, 2025
APTA has nominated APTA member Christopher G. Bise, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, for appointment to a newly established advisory committee. The committee will advise