U of I sharing patient details with fundraiser

University of Iowa Hospitals is giving patient names and specific patient-treatment information to a fundraising organization that solicits donations through written appeals signed by physicians. Officials with both the hospital and the privately run University of Iowa Foundation say they have no ethical concerns with the campaign. Patient advocates, however, say the fundraising seeks to take financial advantage of patients who feel indebted to their doctors for their medical treatment. Hospital spokesman Tom Moore said the fundraising campaign is legal and "completely ethical."