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Legally, a physician:

A. May not refuse treatment in an emergency situation
B. May refuse to provide follow-up care after initial treatment
C. Must provide a diagnosis to a patients employer if requested
D. Must provide a medical history to a patients insurance company if the insurance company requests it
E. May choose to accept a patient if he or she chooses

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

In an emergency, a physician may not refuse treatment, but they may refuse follow-up care. They are not required to provide a diagnosis to a patient's employer and must maintain patient confidentiality. Physicians have the freedom to accept or refuse patients.

Step-by-step explanation:

Legal Considerations for Physicians

A physician's legal obligations vary depending on the situation. In an emergency, a physician may not refuse treatment, as it is their duty to provide medical care to those in need. However, after the initial treatment, a physician may choose to refuse follow-up care.

Regarding patient privacy, a physician is not required to provide a diagnosis to a patient's employer if requested. Additionally, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), a physician must maintain strict confidentiality of patient records and is not obligated to provide a patient's medical history to their insurance company unless it is necessary for their treatment.

Lastly, a physician has the freedom to choose whether or not to accept a patient, based on their own discretion.

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