Legal Question in Business Law in Texas

Doctor in business with patient

Is it ethical for a doctor partially responsible for saving his patients life (bill under 10kand there were several other doctors involved in saving husbands life) to then enter into business with him? My husband offered repayment to doc by doing any electronic work the doctor might need. The doctor had him wire his home equipment which took several weekends and should have made them equal. The doc then offered to invest in husband to get him back into business. He invested a total of 25 k over 2 years and said last spring said that is all he is willing to invest. This doctor has already had his home and 5 new clinics installed with equipment for at cost in labor and wholesale equipment prices (at least 75k - 100k of free services). We have no contract and all verbal agreements have been with him and my husband alone (even though at our initial medical visits I pointed out I felt hubby was showing signs of early dementia, the doctor just disregarded). The docs email today pointed out again how much the he and his clinic has done for husband and how the new bid should be even lower. Since the original diagnosis the doc has given husband free medicine samples and one lab study, no office visits. Is this ethical or legal?


Asked on 4/11/07, 6:33 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Doctor in business with patient

My impression is that you should be able to walk away from this arrangement. Nothing is in writing and your husband has perfomed more than enough services to cover the bill.

Good luck!

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Answered on 4/11/07, 7:05 pm
Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Doctor in business with patient

It's legal. The ethics are questionable.

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Answered on 4/12/07, 10:47 am


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