Problem: FAILURE TO INFORM-ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES
The operation you get often depends on where you live. One patient underwent a mastectomy only to learn that a less destructive alternative procedure was available in a region near her home. The procedure, a lumpectomy, has the same survival rate as a mastectomy. The patient claims that the surgeon never informed her about the alternative.
Ethical and Legal Issues
1. Describe the ethical and legal issues involved in failing to discuss alternative treatments with a patient.
2. Should a physician describe every possible alternative treatment procedure with his or her patient? Explain your answer.