Information for Patients - Bioethics Consultation Service - Montefiore Medical Center

Healthcare decisions depend not only on medical information but also on the patient's values and other preferences. These difficult decisions stir up strong emotions, especially when not all those who are concerned about a patient agree about the best plan.

The Montefiore Einstein Center for Bioethics is dedicated to addressing the complex issues that arise in the hospital setting, drawing together the expertise necessary to promote reasoned analysis of ethical issues in health care.

Montefiore’s long tradition in bioethics stretches back more than thirty years.

The Bioethics Consultation Service is a team of consultants who work for the hospital and have special training and expertise in bioethics.  Consultants meet with patients, caregivers, family members or designated representatives, and health care teams to:   

• Help clarify issues and reach decisions when ethical conflicts arise in the course of patient care.
• Work through difficult decisions about patient treatment.
• Resolve ethical concerns and help ease tensions related to values that affect healthcare decisions.
• Clarify values at stake, foster consensus and resolve conflict.

The Bioethics Consultation Service responds to inquiries from any concerned party involved in a clinical case, including patients and family members. All services are offered free of charge.

For more information on how we can help, visit our detailed information page; call 718-920-4630 or e-mail bioethics@montefiore.org.