How do I know if the physician-patient relationship is established?

Establishing a physician-patient relationship is an important factor when it comes to the claims of medical malpractice law in Washington. This relationship lays a groundwork for the care provided and responsibility that the physician has to the patient. Generally, the physician-patient relationship is established when a patient seeks out the physician for care and the physician agrees to provide it. To determine if the relationship is present, there must be an expectation by both parties that the physician will provide services in exchange for an agreed upon fee. This expectation can typically be seen in the patient making an appointment to see the doctor, asking questions, and providing past medical information. Once the expectation is established, a physician must take appropriate steps to investigate and treat their patient. The patient’s acknowledgement of the physician’s expertise and submission to the physician’s care is also a good indicator of a physician-patient relationship. If the patient follows the advice of the physician, it shows that the physician has been given authority to make decisions regarding the patient’s care. In order to be sure that a physician-patient relationship is in place, it is important to make sure that all expectations have been discussed, agreed upon, and that the patient is following the advice of the physician. Without this established relationship, any medical malpractice claim in Washington could be thrown out as invalid.

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How do I know if the physician-patient relationship is established?

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