(Approved by the Board of Directors June 2001)

Discount cosmetic surgery networks, a recent extension of managed care organizations, provide non-covered health care services to members of a health plan. In these circumstances, contracted physicians may be requested or required to participate in the plans network to offer cosmetic and other non-covered services at a discount rate to the plans members.

Such partnership may constitute a financial benefit to the plan and to the physician, which may not be in the best interest of the patient. Laws pertaining to discount cosmetic surgery networks vary among states. Members of the American Academy of Dermatology, who consider participating in these arrangements, should consider the implications of their participation. Such participation could be unethical and/or illegal.

Knokke-Heist hotel rooms American Academy of Dermatology Association, 2003  All rights reserved.
Produced by NetOn-Line Services.