ETHICAL ISSUES OF ADVERTISING IN HEALTHCARE

 Ethics is a code of behavior that specifies appropriate moral stances, particularly in professional dealings. In this day in age where there are constant reports of questionable behavior by leadership, ethics has become an important component in business today. ETHICS DEFINED

 Advertising refers to any paid form of non personal presentation and promotion of ideas and, goods, or services by an identifiable sponsor. Mass media is typically used as the mode of communication. The objectives of advertising are to promote products, services, organizations and causes. Advertising may seek to increase the product usage, build customer loyalty, introduce new products, educate consumers and maintain visibility. SIGNIFICANCE OF ADVERTISING IN HEALTH CARE

 There is a $5 billion profit made in DTC advertising TV, radio, magazine and newspaper advertising, according to Nielsen Media Research. Which may  increase cost of drugs  Results in unnecessary drug usage  Emphasizes pharmaceutical treatment rather than other options.  may pressure a physician to prescribe a drug because of the patient PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

HMO and PPOs  Ethical concerns include  Advertising to doctors  Bad reputation. high percentage of denying claims because of discrimination based on health status.  When advertised on television or print media there is no disclaimer that declares that your legitimate claim has a high percent of being denied. INSURANCE COMPANIES

 Companies everything from adhesive bandages, cold remedies to headache remedies  Advancement in diagnosis results in products being sold online.  Ethical concerns arise when a company may falsely claim to cure something it does not.  Have you heard of those internet scams where you can order a health product or drug. Many times the drug may have other unlisted ingredients than what you thought you were buying. CONSUMER PRODUCTS COMPANIES