A physician discontinuing a physician-patient relationship needs to take a number of steps when doing so.
The termination letter should contain:
(1) The explanation for the termination.
(2) Recommendations about finding an alternative provider.
(3) The grace period for finding a new provider.
Documentation:
(1) The reason for the discontinuation and steps taken to avoid it if relevant.
(2) The steps taken to ensure continuation of essential care.
(3) If there was a refusal to provide a certain type of care, then the rationale for this decision.
(4) Send the termination letter and any notifications by certified mail with return receipt. Store the receipt in the patient's medical record.
Actions:
(1) Provide the patient information on alternative providers who may accept the patient.
(2) Readily send medical records to a new provider upon signed patient authorization.
(3) Be available for calls to ensure that there are no lapses in patient care.
(4) Provide medication and services for a reasonable time to allow the patient to find a new provider.
