Legal Definitions - patient–physician privilege

Definition: Patient-physician privilege is a legal right that allows patients to keep confidential any communication they have with their doctor for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment. This means that doctors cannot disclose any information about their patients without their consent.

Example: If a patient tells their doctor about a medical condition they have, the doctor cannot tell anyone else about it without the patient's permission. For example, if a patient tells their doctor that they have a sexually transmitted infection, the doctor cannot tell the patient's partner without the patient's consent.

Explanation: Patient-physician privilege is important because it allows patients to be honest with their doctors without fear of their personal information being shared with others. This helps doctors provide better care to their patients. However, there are some exceptions to this privilege, such as when a doctor is required by law to report certain conditions, such as child abuse or certain infectious diseases.