New York City patients thank docs with elaborate gifts

Some wealthy patients thank their New York City doctors for providing care by giving them expensive gifts ranging from Cartier cuff links and Hermes scarfs to private plane rides and use of their yachts. 

With patients wanting to ensure the attention of first-rate practitioners, giving presents to doctors, nurses and medical staff is becoming as commonplace as tipping doormen or waiters, according to the New York Post. But it also can raise ethical questions.

Some patients spare no expense. Cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., who has a practice on Fifth Avenue, received a bottle of Opus One wine that can sell for more than $5,000 from one patient and had another patient offer him a trip to Miami. His sister, who schedules appointments at the practice, received a pair of diamond earrings from a Jordanian patient, he told the newspaper.

“We don’t accept gifts in return for service, but if someone wants to show appreciation, there is nothing wrong with that. I don’t want people to think they will be treated better [if they give gifts]; it’s just appreciation for making them feel special, and I’m always pleasantly shocked,” Frank said.

And it’s not just doctors who get gifts. One physician recalled a heart patient who once handed out hundred dollar bills to the nurses at a New York hospital.

The American Medical Association does not have any rules about doctors accepting gifts from patients. It’s up to doctors what type of gifts they will accept. However, some hospitals may have a policy against taking gifts. A little more than five years ago, Cleveland Clinic established nine principles for treating VIPs, such as royalty or high-profile politicians. The protocols establish numerous behaviors to avoid, including accepting gifts, FierceHealthcare previously reported.