Code of Ethics
The American Academy of Spine Physicians
(AASP) recognizes the many complexities of spinecare and the challenges
that patients with spinal conditions experience. For this reason, the
Academy acknowledges and endorses the contributions that physicians
and other healthcare professionals make to the field of cooperative
and conservative spine care.
The conduct of members of the American
Academy of Spine Physicians shall be compliant with all applicable local,
state and federal regulations, and with the codes of conduct as established
by the credentialed physician's or other professionals discipline. Members
of the American Academy of Spine Physicians are committed to their knowledge
of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of spinal disorders. Every effort
must be made to safeguard the health and safety of patients who seek
the services of members/affiliate members of the American Academy of
Spine Physicians.
Professional Conduct
Members, including credentialed Spine
Physicians, are obligated to maintain their skills and competency such
that it conforms to the standards of conduct to the professions community
practice and discipline. The care of spinal disorders may require a
multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary approach which will require open
communication and timely referrals. The AASP member will conduct his
or her professional behavior in a manner that promotes competent and
comprehensive patient care.
Responsibility
The AASP member shall apply the standards
of care evenly and fairly to all patients who receive services. Healthcare
professionals who are employed by an institution, agency or clinic have
the responsibility to be alert of situations which may compromise the
best interest of the patient and shall make every effort to improve
those conditions.
The member is to provide thorough documentation
and timely communication to other members of the healthcare team, insurance
carriers and to other pertinent parties in order to assure continuity
of care. Healthcare records are to be legible, methodical, and objective.
The records should reflect independent professional opinions, the basis
for those opinions, and any subsequent recommendations. The member must
only provide those services for which they are competent and qualified
to perform. The member will refrain from providing services which are
not in the patient's best interest, in conflict with the ethical standards
of his or her discipline or which are in violation of standards established
by applicable regulatory agencies or boards.
Confidentiality
The AASP member is obligated to protect
information obtained during the course of caring for their patients.
They agree to comply with governing HIPPA and other pertinent privacy
regulations. Information acquired during the scope of practice may routinely
be released only with the patents written authorization. In emergency
situations when their exists a clear and imminent danger to the health,
safety or welfare of the patient or to others or when such release is
required by a court order or subpoena, the physician or other healthcare
professional may release relevant medical information without the patent's
written consent.
Patients have the privilege and right
to obtain a copy of their medical records to the extent that is feasible
and practical and when there are no legal or clinical contraindications.
The medical records are to be provided in a timely manner, consistent
with state guidelines, after receipt of request by the authorized individual.
Continuing Education and Competence
The AASP member shall maintain a high
standard of professionalism and professional competence. They must recognize
the limits of their skills, the scope of their licensure and they shall
provide services consistent with the standards of their profession.
The AASP member has an obligation to
accurately represent their training, education and experience to their
patients and the public. The member should be committed to obtaining
continuing education in spinecare .The member recognizes that the field
of spinecare is broad and rapidly growing. He or she shall be open to
new advances in the diagnosis and care of spinal disorders. The member
shall refrain from those procedures and treatment approaches that pose
undue risk to their patients without first considering other therapeutic
options. The member shall seek to employ those services which may achieve
the greatest benefit while exposing the patient to the least risk whenever
possible. The member shall obtain consultation with other healthcare
providers when indicated, and shall clearly inform the patient of the
likely risks inherent to any proposed diagnostic procedures or treatments.
Business Practices
The member spine specialist will abide
by all prevailing community standards. They must comply with all local
state and federal laws regulating the business practices. If used, advertising
must be honest, factual and accurate and advertising must not contain
false or exaggerated claims. The member spine specialist shall not enter
into any arrangements in which unlawful fee splitting occurs, where
there is a conflict of interest, or where unjustifiable influence or
pressure is imposed upon the patient. The member shall engage in behavior
that conforms to high standards of ethical, legal, medical and moral
behavior.
Spine-Related Research
The member may engage in research concerning
the care of spine and related disorders. In doing so they shall prioritize
the safety of their patients. Investigations shall be consistent with
the traditions and practices of the credentialed physician's discipline.
Research must conform to all local, state and federal policies and regulations.
Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP. 
