Legal Definitions - doctor–patient relationship

The doctor–patient relationship is the legal and ethical connection that forms when an individual seeks medical care from a healthcare professional, and that professional agrees to provide it. This relationship establishes specific duties and responsibilities for both parties. Primarily, the doctor assumes a duty to act in the patient's best interest, provide competent care, maintain confidentiality of health information, and obtain informed consent for treatments. The patient, in turn, has a responsibility to provide accurate health information and cooperate with reasonable medical advice.

This foundational relationship is crucial in healthcare law, as it underpins concepts such as medical malpractice, patient privacy rights (like those protected by HIPAA), and the requirement for informed consent before medical procedures.

• Example 1: Routine Annual Physical

  A person schedules an annual physical examination with their primary care physician. When the doctor's office confirms the appointment and the physician begins the examination, a doctor–patient relationship is formally established. The doctor is now legally and ethically obligated to perform a thorough examination, discuss any health concerns, maintain the confidentiality of the patient's medical records, and provide appropriate medical advice or referrals. The patient is expected to provide an accurate medical history and follow the doctor's recommendations.

• Example 2: Emergency Room Treatment

  An individual is brought to the emergency room unconscious after a car accident. Even though the patient cannot explicitly consent, a doctor–patient relationship is implicitly formed the moment the emergency room physician begins to provide life-saving treatment. The doctor is immediately bound by the duty to provide necessary care, act in the patient's best interest, and maintain confidentiality, operating under the legal principle of implied consent for emergency situations.

• Example 3: Telemedicine Consultation

  A patient uses a secure video conferencing platform to consult with a dermatologist about a persistent skin rash. During this virtual appointment, a doctor–patient relationship is established. The dermatologist, despite the physical distance, assumes the same professional responsibilities as in an in-person visit, including diagnosing the condition, prescribing medication (if legally permissible in both jurisdictions), and ensuring the patient's privacy. The patient is expected to accurately describe their symptoms and adhere to the treatment plan.