Compliance: Are You Considering 'Firing' A Patient? Proceed Carefully to Avoid Getting Burned

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by AAPC. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article discusses compliance and risk-management issues involved in terminating a physician-patient relationship. It is aimed at physicians, practice managers, and billing/compliance staff who need to understand general notice practices, patient transfer considerations, state law variation, participation agreement restrictions, and the legal risks associated with improper discharge decisions.

Why This Topic Matters

Improperly ending care can create legal and compliance exposure for a practice, including claims related to abandonment, contract issues, and discriminatory treatment. The article helps readers recognize the kinds of safeguards and policy checks that matter before a patient relationship is terminated.

Article Sections

  1. Adequate notice

    Discusses the importance of advance written notice and allowing time for the patient to respond before a relationship ends.

  2. Help patients find other resources

    Covers the general expectation that patients should be given assistance in locating alternate care or other resources.

  3. Pay attention to state laws

    Reviews how state-specific legal requirements can affect patient discharge procedures and transfer-related responsibilities.

  4. Pay attention to circumstances

    Addresses practical factors that can influence how much time or support may be needed for a patient to transition to another provider.

  5. Check your participation agreement

    Notes that payer participation agreements may impose additional restrictions or procedures when ending care for an enrolled patient.

What You Will Learn

  • How patient discharge decisions can create compliance and legal risk
  • What types of notice and transition considerations are discussed in a practice setting
  • Why state law and payer participation terms may affect termination procedures
  • How discrimination and abandonment concerns can arise when ending care

Who Should Read This

  • Physicians
  • Practice managers
  • Compliance staff
  • Medical office administrators
  • Billing staff

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