From ancient times, physicians have recognized that the health and well-being of patients depends upon a collaborative effort between physician and patient.
Patients share with physicians the responsibility for their own health care.
The patient-physician relationship is of greatest benefit to patients when they bring medical problems to the attention of their physicians in a timely fashion, provide information about their medical condition to the best of their ability, and work with their physicians in a mutually respectful alliance. The patient has the right to receive information from physicians and to discuss the benefits, risks, and costs of appropriate treatment alternatives. Patients should receive guidance from their physicians as to the optimal course of action. Patients are also entitled to obtain copies or summaries of their medical records, to have their questions answered, to be advised of potential conflicts of interest that their physicians might have, and to receive independent professional opinions. The patient has the right to make decisions regarding the health care that is recommended by his or her physician.