With regard to selling non-health related goods, the AMA also provides guidance under opinion 8.062 which indicates a physician may sell low-cost non-health-related goods for the benefit of community organizations, provided that: (1) the goods in question are low-cost; (2) the physician takes no share in profit from their sale; (3) such sales are not a regular part of the physician?s business; (4) sales are conducted in a dignified manner; and (5) sales are conducted in such a way as to assure that patients are not pressured into making purchases. It should be noted that AMA guidance is intended to apply whether the products are sold in the physician?s office or through a practice website.
Why shouldn't physicians make a profit? Why should the be low cost? I can understand #4 and 5, even 3 unless the business is the providers main business (i.e Dr. Wheeler's super rejuvenation clinic and elixer (I wish :))
Interesting that the AMA has no issue with making a profit off the CPT codes.
