The American Medical Association is opposing proposals to use "secret shoppers" to evaluate physicians and their relationship with patients. The AMA contends that "secret shoppers" will detract from the real work done by physicians by preventing them from seeing actual patients. The use of "secret shoppers" is simply part of the consumer health information wave but appears to mainly benefit insurers and businesses seeking to limit their health care costs. Physicians also expressed concern that the practice was grossly unethical and would violate the doctor-patient relationship.
At the same conference, the AMA President told physicians to improve patient information and reduce medical errors.