122 PART 2 The Health Care Environment The Case of John F. and the HMO John, a 34-year-old father of two children, is a member of a health maintenance organization (HMO) in Texas. John has made several trips to an area clinic recommended by his HMO to seek medical attention since finding blood in his bowel movements. He has been taking large amounts of aspirin for persistent headaches but did not realize that this could cause internal bleeding. John was always seen at the clinic by a physician assistant, Robert M., but never by a physician. Robert didn't ask John about taking any nonprescription medications. John didn't realize that he should mention his over-the-counter medication (aspirin) consumption. Robert tells John to take an antacid preparation to control the 01919500 bleeding, but does not order any tests. He tells John to retum he is not any better. Two days later, John is rushed to the area emergency department with a bowel hemorrhage. 1. What responsibility, if any, does Robert have for John's emergency condition? 2. Does the clinic have a responsibility to provide its HMO members with the services of a physician? 3. What responsibility, as a health care consumer, does John have for his own medical condition? Introduction F