Philosophy

An example of research created by our Philosophy Cohort:

“Anticipating Future Ethical Issues with Prosthetic Devices”
Niara Comrie, Emily Canapp, Lailynn Reyes
Lecturer Richard Wilson

A substantial number of prosthetic users experience difficulties with the payment for and then use of prosthetics. Through research, Insurance companies have been found to be reluctant to cover costs related to prosthetics. The cost of prosthesis ranges from $30,000 – $50,000, while an average American household makes $69,000 a year. It is unquestionable that there are ethical issues and violations of the Code of Ethics when insurance companies deny coverage for prosthetics. Without an insurance company’s assistance, an amputee would not be able to receive and then use a prosthetic device. The objective of this research is to inform the public about the ethical issues including violations of insurance companies’ codes of conduct when denying coverage for those who need prosthetics. An ethical analysis of these concerns will be followed by an anticipatory ethical analysis of difficulties prosthetic users may face in the future. The ethical analysis will be used to develop recommendations that anticipate ethical issues that may arise for both current prosthetic patients and future prosthetics users.