[simon_]

And keep in mind that facilities fees often go to highly profitable outpatient facilities owned by the doctors.

[orky56]

That's an investment made by physicians who rightfully should share in the profit sharing of their business.

[karmajunkie]

It's also unethical for a doctor to refer patients to a facility he or she owns. This is a huge source of Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

[orky56]

I've seen physicians disclose their relationship with said facility, which may or may not be used as a casual referral. I think the communication of the conflict of interest is the important issue here.

[riahi]

This is actually illegal. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stark_Law