Publications [#301715] of Peter A Ubel

Journal Articles

1. Alexander, GC; Werner, RM; Fagerlin, A; Ubel, PA, Support for physician deception of insurance companies among a sample of Philadelphia residents., Annals of internal medicine, vol. 138 no. 6 (March, 2003), pp. 472-475 [12639080], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/17)

   Abstract:
   

   Background

   Some physicians seem to be willing to sanction deception of insurance companies. Little is known about public attitudes regarding this practice.

   Objective

   To assess public attitudes regarding physician deception of insurance companies.

   Design

   Cross-sectional survey using clinical vignettes.

   Setting

   Philadelphia County Courthouse, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

   Participants

   Convenience sample of 700 prospective jurors.

   Measurements

   Participants were asked whether, in response to restriction of health care, a physician should 1) accept restriction, 2) appeal restriction, or 3) misrepresent a patient's condition to obtain the desired service. The proportion of respondents reporting that the physician should misrepresent a patient's condition was determined.

   Results

   26% of respondents sanctioned deception, 70% supported appealing, and 4% supported accepting the insurance company decision. Among the 27% of respondents believing physicians have inadequate time to appeal coverage decisions, 50% sanctioned deception.

   Conclusions

   Sanctioning of deception was substantial in this sample of prospective jurors. Preferences regarding insurance company deception are related to perceptions of physician workload and may further pressure physicians struggling to balance advocacy with honesty.