decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2023 Issue 8 (August)
You can ‘fire’ patients for just cause, but hew to a clear policy
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Article Overview
This article addresses patient dismissal and abandonment issues from a practice-management perspective. It explains why the topic matters for medical groups, physicians, and office managers, and summarizes general guidance on notice, documentation, referrals, patient records, payer restrictions, and exceptions involving urgent care, disruptive behavior, and other special circumstances. It is intended for readers who need a broad understanding of when and how to end a patient relationship while staying mindful of ethical, legal, and operational obligations.
Why This Topic Matters
Improper patient termination can create ethical, legal, malpractice, and administrative risk. Understanding the general framework helps practices reduce exposure while protecting continuity of care and access to records.
Article Sections
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Practice management
Introduces the practice-management context and frames patient abandonment as an ethical and legal issue.
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The basics: Notice and referral
Summarizes general expectations for ending a patient relationship, including communication, documentation, and arranging alternative care.
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Even troublesome patients?
Discusses special situations that may require modified handling, including urgent care needs, disruptive behavior, and documentation of accommodation efforts.
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3 patient firing tips
Highlights broad operational considerations related to records access, patient cooperation with care, and handling abusive behavior.
What You Will Learn
- Why patient abandonment can become an ethical or legal concern
- What broad steps are commonly associated with ending a patient relationship
- Why records access and continuity of care still matter after dismissal
- How urgent care needs or disruptive behavior can complicate termination decisions
- Which operational checks may help practices reduce risk when dismissing patients
Who Should Read This
- Physicians
- Medical practice managers
- Office administrators
- Compliance staff
- Specialty group leaders
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