Define: Doctor–Patient Relationship

Yes, a doctor can refuse to treat a patient under certain circumstances, such as if the patient’s condition falls outside their area of expertise or if the patient exhibits abusive or disruptive behavior.

Yes, a doctor can terminate a doctor-patient relationship, but they must provide reasonable notice and ensure the patient’s ongoing care is not compromised. Termination may occur if the patient fails to follow treatment plans, engages in non-compliance, or exhibits abusive behavior.

Yes, a doctor can be held liable for medical malpractice if they fail to meet the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. However, proving medical malpractice requires establishing negligence and causation.

Yes, a patient can sue a doctor for a misdiagnosis if it can be proven that the doctor’s error caused harm or delayed appropriate treatment. However, a misdiagnosis alone does not automatically constitute medical malpractice.

Generally, a doctor cannot share a patient’s medical information without their consent, as it violates patient confidentiality. However, there are exceptions, such as when required by law, for public health reasons, or when necessary for the patient’s treatment.

Yes, a patient has the right to refuse treatment recommended by a doctor, as long as they are deemed competent to make such decisions. However, doctors may inform patients about the potential risks and consequences of refusing treatment.

Yes, a doctor can be sued for prescribing the wrong medication if it can be proven that the error caused harm or injury to the patient. Doctors have a duty to prescribe medications accurately and consider the patient’s medical history and potential drug interactions.

In certain circumstances, a doctor may be held responsible for a patient’s suicide if it can be proven that the doctor failed to provide appropriate care, failed to recognize warning signs, or failed to refer the patient to mental health professionals when necessary.

Yes, a doctor can be sued for a breach of confidentiality if they disclose a patient’s medical information without consent, except in situations where disclosure is legally required or permitted.

In some cases, a doctor may be held liable for a patient’s addiction to prescribed medication if it can be proven that the doctor prescribed the medication negligently or failed to monitor the patient’s usage, leading to addiction and harm. However, patients also have a responsibility to use prescribed medications as directed.