Reference no: EM133701522
Problem
Marc had a chat with some veterans about their healthcare benefits. Most seemed satisfied. Joe, one of the veterans, opening his mouth wide to show Marc, said, "Look at my teeth. [He had but a few teeth in his mouth.] They won't fix them because they are not considered a war-related injury." He turned his head sideways, and Marc noticed that an ear was missing. Joe continued, "Now this ear is gone. I lost it during the Vietnam war. I was, however, able to get a prosthesis. It needs some work, so I didn't wear it. I guess they will provide me with a new one. I am able to get care for it because it is a war-related injury, but I really could use some teeth."
Marc queried the hospital about Joe's teeth. They said that because of policy and the fact that Joe's teeth were not related to a war injury, there was nothing that they could do for him. They did, however, suggest Joe could go to the University Hospital and get a set of false teeth that should be relatively inexpensive. Marc asked to see the hospital's dental area. Following a tour of the dental suite, Marc commented, "This is the most modern dental facility I have ever seen." The staff was happy that Marc was pleased with the facility. After observing ample staff, workspace, modern equipment, top of the line dental chairs, and unoccupied rooms, he asked, "Are you open? Where are the patients?" The staff in unison responded, "Oh yes, we are open, but we don't have any patients at the moment. We should have a few later." The staff proceeded to discuss with enthusiasm the wide variety of dental procedures they could provide, including complicated extractions, implants, preparation of dentures, and so on.
Task
I. Would you consider this to be a form of political malpractice? Discuss your answer.
II. Because hospital staff was able to make suggestions to a veteran for care outside the Veterans Administration healthcare system, how would you respond if you were the veteran?