How to Discharge a Patient From a Medical Practice

Doctors can choose to terminate care at their discretion. Reasons for termination include patients who do not pay their bills or are not following medical advice. Physicians also terminate care to patients who they can no longer treat, such as patients who require specialized care. The American Medical Association encourages physicians to discharge a patient in writing.

Instructions

• 1

  Document why the physician is terminating care with the patient. This reasoning should be clear and specific.

• 2

  Recommend the patient continue to seek medical treatment through another physician.

• 3

  List contact information for other practices in your area. If care is being taken over or transferred to a specialist, reference that information.

• 4

  Define a period of time that you will continue to see the patient. Give the patient at least 30 days or more to transfer and establish care with another physician, and agree to see her within that time frame, including any emergency situations.

• 5

  Continue prescribing any medications for this time period, especially if he has a terminal illness.

• 6

  Document that your practice will forward medical records to the patient's new physician once she supplies you with that information.

• 7

  Send the termination letter via certified mail and request a return receipt. This is your proof that the patient received the letter.