Risk Management Guide: Physician-Patient Relationship

The core aspect of the physician-patient relationship lies in the legal aspect of the “duty” that the physician owes to the patient once the relationship is established. There are circumstances where a plaintiff attorney may allege that the medical office staff created or established this relationship by providing an appointment or giving treatment advice in anticipation of an appointment therefore careful oversight is recommended as to what is allowed in the medical office process for new patient intake. Generally, it is a common opinion that only the actual hands-on examination by the physician of the patient constitutes the establishment of the physician-patient relationship; however, there can be exceptions. Plaintiff attorneys…