What does the physician-patient privilege protect?

The physician-patient privilege is a legal concept that serves to protect the confidentiality of communications between a physician and their patient. This privilege is founded on the principle that, to effectively treat a patient, they must feel free to disclose sensitive information without fear that it will be made public or used against them. This protection encourages openness and honesty in the therapeutic relationship.

By safeguarding these communications, the privilege helps ensure that patients receive the best possible care and allows physicians to make informed decisions based on what the patient has shared. This legal protection means that, generally, these communications cannot be disclosed in court without the patient's consent, unless certain exceptions apply.

Other options mentioned relate to aspects of medical records or public statements, but they do not capture the essence of the privilege itself, which is fundamentally about the confidentiality of private discussions between a patient and their healthcare provider.