[Panel discussion: problems of the specialist's duty to inform the patient (author's transl)].

The obligation of the physician to inform the patient--which he has to prove in case of a suit--is based on the patient's right of selfdetermination. This self-decision information was subject of the panel discussion. Not discussed in detail were the information concerning diagnosis and prognosis, and the instruction of the patient regarding his conduct postoperatively and during medical treatment. Not considered was the so-called malpractice and negligence respectively. Medical liability suits are increasing for various reasons and are frequently directed at a failure to inform the patient because the patient is often unable to prove a negligence of the physician ("surrogate liability"). The dimension of the duty of disclosure (complete information--no information at all) is discussed in general and with special regard to the radiological field.