AMA to consider endorsing undercover patients

Hospitals and health clinics are increasingly turning to "undercover patients" to evaluate the performance of doctors and their staffs, and to grade the healthcare experience being offered. As a result, the ethics council of the American Medical Association is pressing the doctors group to endorse such practices. AMA delegates are expected to vote on the proposal during their five-day meeting beginning June 14. Some doctors are outraged at the idea, however, saying that the practice is deceitful and could have disastrous consequences.