Case Study – Without the Large Profit Margin, Katy Could Easily Afford Her Medication
Case Study – Without the Large Profit Margin, Katy Could Easily Afford Her Medication
By Ryan Pferdehirt, DBe, HEC-C and
October 2024
Bioethics case study on Patient/Physician Relationship.
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Katy is a 54-year-old female suffering from multiple sclerosis. Her symptoms are very well-managed when she takes her medication daily, but failing to do so has extremely negative health effects. In the past, her prescriptions were covered by her husband’s health insurance, with her only having a manageable co-pay. But recently, her husband was laid off for the season, with him expected to be reemployed in the spring of next year. In the meantime, the cost for her medications is no longer affordable.
Her primary physician, Dr. Imma, knows that Katy’s budget is tight, and she is barely able to afford her medications normally, even with her insurance. Dr. Imma also knows that the cost of the medication is not reflective of the cost to manufacture it, with the pharmaceutical company making a large profit from the medication. Dr. Imma is wondering what can be done and whether she should tell Katy about the profits from the medication. Without the large profit margin, Katy would be able to easily afford her medication. Should Dr. Imma inform Katy about this, or should she keep the information to herself?
