According to the AMA, what is a key reason behind a physician’s duty of confidentiality
to a patient?
A. The U.S. Constitution requires a physician’s confidentiality.
B. The patient will feel more confident in disclosing information to the physician.
C. If a physician reveals information about a patient, that information isn’t admissible
in a lawsuit.
D. Sharing a patient’s medical information is a form of defamation.
D
B.According to the AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial
Affairs, the purpose of a physician’s ethical duty to maintain
patient confidentiality is to allow the patient to feel free to
make a full and frank disclosure of information to the physician,
knowing that the physician will protect the confidential
nature of the information disclosed. Full disclosure gives the
physician information to diagnose conditions properly and to
treat the patient appropriately.
D is incorrect. Sharing a patient's medical information is not a form of defamation.
The correct answer is B. The patient will feel more confident in disclosing information to the physician. The key reason behind a physician's duty of confidentiality to a patient, according to the AMA (American Medical Association), is to create an environment where the patient feels comfortable and confident in sharing sensitive and personal information without fear of that information being disclosed to others. This confidentiality is essential in establishing trust between the patient and physician, and it helps facilitate open communication, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment.
The correct answer is B. The key reason behind a physician's duty of confidentiality to a patient, according to the AMA (American Medical Association), is that the patient will feel more confident in disclosing information to the physician.
Explanation:
Confidentiality is an essential part of the patient-physician relationship and is essential for effective healthcare delivery. Physicians have a legal and ethical duty to maintain the privacy of their patients' personal health information. This duty is rooted in the principle of trust between the patient and the physician.
When patients know that their personal health information will be kept confidential, they are more likely to be open and honest with their doctor about their medical history, symptoms, and concerns. This allows physicians to provide accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans.
Additionally, maintaining patient confidentiality helps protect patients from potential harm, discrimination, and stigmatization. It is crucial for patients to feel safe and comfortable sharing sensitive and private information with their healthcare providers.
While options A, C, and D mention other reasons that could potentially be associated with a physician's duty of confidentiality, the primary reason is to foster trust and effective communication between the patient and the physician, as mentioned in option B.