A physician offers to take you to lunch weekly to thank you for referrals. What should you tell the doctor?

• A. Accept During Off Hours
• B. It Is A Misdemeanor
• C. It Is A Felony
• D. Ask Supervisor For Approval

Answer: (C)

Kickbacks for patient referrals are illegal and can carry felony penalties. In California, offering or accepting anything of value to obtain referrals creates an improper financial incentive that can influence medical judgment. A physician who invites you to lunch weekly in exchange for referrals is engaging in a kickback, and these schemes are prosecutable as felonies under state law; they can also trigger federal anti-kickback provisions if Medicare/Medicaid come into play. The appropriate response is to tell the doctor that such arrangements are illegal and to decline the offer, reporting the conduct if it continues.