When a patient decides to use CAM/IM for treatment and the CAM/IM provider does not inform the patient about the cost of such treatment, which ethical principle does this violate?

When a patient decides to use CAM/IM for treatment and the CAM/IM provider does not inform the patient about the cost of such treatment, which ethical principle does this violate?

• A. Justice
• B. Nonmaleficence
• C. Autonomy
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (D)

Respecting patient autonomy means enabling informed decisions by providing information that could affect those choices, including costs. When a CAM/IM provider withholds or fails to inform the patient about how much treatment will cost, the patient cannot weigh financial implications in the decision-making process. That lack of cost information undermines the patient’s ability to choose in line with their values, resources, and preferences, which is a core aspect of informed consent and autonomy. Beneficence is about acting in the patient’s best interests and aiming to do good, but the act of not disclosing cost isn’t primarily about the benefit of the treatment itself. Nonmaleficence relates to avoiding harm, and while unexpected costs can cause harm, the primary ethical lapse here is not supporting the patient’s autonomous decision. Justice involves fair distribution and access, which can be related to costs, but autonomy is the central principle at stake when essential information for decision-making is withheld.

Respecting patient autonomy means enabling informed decisions by providing information that could affect those choices, including costs. When a CAM/IM provider withholds or fails to inform the patient about how much treatment will cost, the patient cannot weigh financial implications in the decision-making process. That lack of cost information undermines the patient’s ability to choose in line with their values, resources, and preferences, which is a core aspect of informed consent and autonomy.

Beneficence is about acting in the patient’s best interests and aiming to do good, but the act of not disclosing cost isn’t primarily about the benefit of the treatment itself. Nonmaleficence relates to avoiding harm, and while unexpected costs can cause harm, the primary ethical lapse here is not supporting the patient’s autonomous decision. Justice involves fair distribution and access, which can be related to costs, but autonomy is the central principle at stake when essential information for decision-making is withheld.