QUESTION #78: How do I terminate a patient? Do you have any sample termination letters I can use?
ANSWER (08/30/06): According to CMA ON-CALL document #0805, "Termination of the Physician-Patient Relationship," the physician can terminate in one of two ways without creating liability for abandonment:
- The physician ends the relationship after giving the patient notice, a reasonable opportunity to find substitute care, and the information necessary to obtain the patient's medical records.
- The patient ends the relationship.
Should physicians decide they want to terminate a patient, they should read through this ON-CALL document in its entirety before making that decision. This document does not contain any sample termination letters, as the physician-patient relationship is unique and may require individual consideration if it becomes necessary to terminate the physician-patient relationship. CMA recommends that physicians consult their respective professional liability insurance carriers for assistance in drafting termination letters given the particular facts and circumstances of the situation.
CMA ON-CALL: #0805, "Termination of Physician/Patient Relationship" — available free to members at http://www.cmanet.org