Westwood is committed to improving the health of its patients. Westwood has pledged to provide diagnostic services for patients using a referral method that utilizes an imaging equipment lease agreement. It also shows its commitment to patient’s wellness. This strategy has drawn a number of ethical and legal criticisms. In 2008, institutions were unable to get the necessary diagnostic equipment in order to offer Medicare-based service because they couldn’t afford it. I believe the policy to be appropriate and advantageous to patients (Jones, H. & Bartlett., 2019). This policy is in line with the importance of prioritizing the patients’ welfare when making medical decisions. I find Westwood’s suggestion to provide its doctors with equipment to rent that can be used to improve their ability to deliver services to patients to be useful.
Leasing diagnostic equipment can be a good solution for a critical need. However, Westwood’s plan could cause a serious ethical problem because it puts the interests of the industry above the welfare of patients. A conflict of interest could arise if the hospital allows doctors to suggest patients to companies or organisations with which they are financially connected. Doctors face an ethical dilemma when it comes to deciding whether they should prioritize fair and reasonable patient care or refer patients to third-party businesses that are in their best interests. This would present a significant ethical dilemma for doctors (Jones, H. & Bartlett., 2019). This arrangement would require the patient to pay additional fees in order for doctors to benefit from it. This is another example of unethical behavior. The law is binding on all institutions. Westwood is required to charge all patients for the imaging services they provide. It seems that this is in violation of Medicare and Medicaid regulations regarding patient payments for medical services. The practice’s tendency to noncompliance raises ethical questions about its legality within the healthcare system.