Can a doctor treat his or her own family?

Can a doctor treat his or her own family?

In general, physicians should not treat themselves or members of their own families. However, it may be acceptable to do so in limited circumstances: (a) In emergency settings or isolated settings where there is no other qualified physician available.

When to treat yourself or a family member?

(a) In emergency settings or isolated settings where there is no other qualified physician available. In such situations, physicians should not hesitate to treat themselves or family members until another physician becomes available. (b) For short-term, minor problems.

How to prevent family doctors from getting sued?

Although this may sound basic, the best way to prevent these types of injuries is to be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally for the procedure. Sleep depravation increases the risk of poor performance. Distractions such as pressing personal problems might be good reasons to reschedule or have another physician perform the procedure.

When is a patient reluctant to see a doctor?

A patient may be reluctant to disclose sensitive information or undergo an intimate examination when the physician is an immediate family member. This discomfort may particularly be the case when the patient is a minor child, who may not feel free to refuse care from a parent.

Can a doctor treat his own family member?

Physicians generally should not treat themselves or members of their immediate families. Professional objectivity may be compromised when an immediate family member or the physician is the patient; the physician’s personal feelings may unduly influence his or her professional medical judgment, thereby interfering with the care being delivered.

Can a family member refuse to see a doctor?

Concerns regarding patient autonomy and informed consent are also relevant when physicians attempt to treat members of their immediate family. Family members may be reluctant to state their preference for another physician or decline a recommendation for fear of offending the physician.

When do doctors hesitate to treat family members?

In emergency settings or isolated settings where there is no other qualified physician available, physicians should not hesitate to treat themselves or family members until another physician becomes available.

(a) In emergency settings or isolated settings where there is no other qualified physician available. In such situations, physicians should not hesitate to treat themselves or family members until another physician becomes available. (b) For short-term, minor problems.