Patient Abandonment: Definition, Consequences & Patient Rights

Patient abandonment occurs when a healthcare professional ends the provider-patient relationship without adequate notice or arranging continued care. Consequences include:

• Lack of Access to Care: Delays in diagnosis/treatment, worsening condition.
• Financial Hardship: Uncovered medical bills.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, betrayal, eroded trust in healthcare.

Warning Signs

• Sudden termination without notice.
• Failure to arrange follow-up care.
• Unavailability when needed.
• Ignoring patient concerns/symptoms.
• False/misleading statements about condition/treatment.

Action Steps

• Request a meeting with the provider.
• Document concerns in writing.
• File a complaint with the state medical board.
• Seek legal advice.

Patient abandonment is a serious ethical and legal violation. Patients have the right to continuity of care.