When a physician prescribes treatment for a friend or family member, which action must be completed?

• A. They must perform a physical examination and keep a proper med record like any other patient.
• B. They should avoid documenting the visit to prevent bias.
• C. They only need to document if the patient is a close relative.
• D. They must notify the family member’s insurance provider.

Answer: (A)

The core idea is that the standard of care and proper record-keeping apply to every patient, even when the patient is a friend or family member. A physician must perform a physical examination to assess the person’s health status and determine appropriate treatment. Along with that, they are required to keep a complete medical record for that patient, just as they would for any other patient. This documentation documents the findings, diagnosis, plan, and any medications or follow-up, ensuring continuity of care and providing legal protection for both patient and clinician. While treating a relative can raise concerns about bias, these standards still apply; skipping the exam or omitting the medical record would compromise care and accountability. Notifying the insurance provider isn’t the medical action that addresses the patient’s care itself.