Abstract
Incorporating referral incentives in dentistry, like gift cards or raffles, can present ethical and legal issues. The MDA's ethical rule 4.E prohibits rebates or fee splitting, extending to any referral source, including patients. Gift cards may be perceived as rebates. Raffle tickets are less problematic, but only the winner gains something of value. State law (MCL 333.16221) deems fee division unethical. For insurance and dental plan agreements, check for clauses mandating specific fee schedules and discouraging referral fees to ensure compliance. Federal laws might also apply if incentives are used for Medicaid or Medicare patients.
Recommended Citation
Schulte, Dan JD
(2023)
"Dentistry and the Law: Problems with Referral Incentives Explained,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 105:
No.
11, Article 5.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol105/iss11/5
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