Question

If a provider decides to terminate the care agreement for a patient, what methods should be followed and details should be included in a letter of notification?

Answer 1

Patient physician relationship termination:

During the physician patient relationship the physician can discharge the patient when the patient does not require the care but termination is a more complex process. Patient abandonment by the physician is basically the termination of the care without proper notice time for arranging the medical care somewhere else while the patient still needs the care.

In situations such as death, transfer, retirement or unavailability, the doctors can terminate the relationship, but with proper prior notice. so that the patient has the time to arrange for the medical care somewhere else.

Also, the doctor has the right to discontinue treating the patient if in case he continues to break and miss the appointments as well as in situations if the patient refuses to follow the advices given by the physician.

The Physician must send a letter of withdrawal that includes:
The termination date at least 30-days from the date of receipt of the letter

The reason for this action.

A statement of intent of to terminate the relationship

A statement that the medical records will be transferred to another Physician at the patient's request.

Doctors are not allowed to terminate the relationship on the basis or non- constitutional things like race, color, religion or caste. In the case or abandonment, one shold make proper arrangement for the further medical care, such as referrang him or her to a further physician.