Understanding insurance: the GP's professional and ethical responsibilities

Abstract

Background General practitioners will often consult with patients in situations where professional skill is required to support a decision regarding insurance.

Objective The aim of this article is to assist doctors’ understanding of the basis of insurance and risk, in order to support their own practice in this important area.

Discussion This article provides information about insurance and the professional skills required to assist in decisions made by insurance companies (for which, commercial factors predominate), and/or by patients (in whom, social and emotional factors may be more important). A quality improvement activity is provided for those interested in making changes to their practice.