What should a physician do when a doctor offers to take them to lunch to thank them for referrals?

• A. Go during off hours
• B. Cannot do it because it is a misdemeanor
• C. Cannot do it because it is a felony
• D. Get permission from supervisor

Answer: (C)

In this scenario, the correct understanding is that accepting a meal from a referring physician can lead to legal and ethical concerns, primarily under laws such as the Anti-Kickback Statute. Engaging in such practices can be considered a felony, as it may involve receiving something of value in exchange for referrals, which could be construed as incentivizing a physician to refer patients based on personal gain rather than patient care. This reflects the strict regulations in the healthcare system aimed at maintaining integrity and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Under these circumstances, the prohibition against accepting gifts or incentives in the form of meals helps prevent any potential corruption in patient care decisions and upholds the ethical standards of the medical profession. Notably, options that suggest going to lunch during off hours or obtaining permission from a supervisor may seem practical but do not address the foundational legal issues tied to accepting such offers, thus reinforcing the idea that engaging in this kind of conduct could carry severe legal repercussions.