A physician accepts a fixed monthly payment from a diagnostic laboratory for every patient he refers for imaging and blood tests. Under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, this practice is termed:
- A Capitation
- B Dichotomy ✓
- C Cross-referral
- D Fee-for-service arrangement
Correct answer: B. Dichotomy
Explanation
The Regulations define dichotomy as the giving, receiving or soliciting of any commission, gift or advantage for referring patients to a laboratory, pharmacy or another practitioner. It is expressly listed as professional misconduct punishable under the Indian Medical Council Act. Cross-referral between colleagues based purely on clinical need is legitimate, and capitation refers to payment per enrolled patient in managed systems, not referral commissions.
Reference: Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, Clause 6.3 ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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