Understanding the Core Components of the Patient-Physician Contract

1. Duty to act in the best interest of the patient.

This means that the physician must put the patient's interests ahead of their own, and should provide the best possible care to the patient.

2. Duty to provide informed consent.

This means that the physician must inform the patient of all material risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient’s treatment before the patient signs a consent form for treatment.

3. Duty to maintain confidentiality.

This means that the physician must keep patient information private and must not share it with anyone without the patient's consent.