What Is the Nature and Scope of Physicians' Duties of Care to Patients Without a Diagnosis?

Abstract

Patients whose conditions are undiagnosed face stress and limited, delayed access to interventions that address their specific needs. This commentary on a hypothetical case describes key ethical values that tend to conflict when clinicians try to care for patients with undiagnosed conditions and underscores the need for equitable, precise care plans when the sources and causes of patients' illness experiences are yet unknown.