Page 35 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

to care for a patient. When a decision is made to terminate

a relationship with a patient, there are several important
considerations to keep in mind:

• Termination may not be based on discriminatory grounds.

• Pertinent third-party payer or facility contractual provisions

may outline required termination procedures.

• Any acute medical conditions should be resolved prior to

terminating.

• Unilaterally terminating a patient without giving proper

notice and following certain procedures may result in civil
liability or disciplinary action for abandonment.

• When considering terminating a relationship with a patient,

the focus should be to protect patient care and minimize
any potential areas of concern regarding abandonment.

The American Medical Association’s Principles of Medical
Ethics states, “physicians’ fiduciary responsibility to patients
5
entails an obligation to support continuity of care for their
patients”. In order to avoid a possible allegation of abandonment,

the following steps should be taken:

• Review the medical record for conditions that might

require additional monitoring or treatment, including
medications.

• Check the provisions of any contract signed with the

patient’s third-party payer to ensure compliance with it.

• If possible, first discuss the termination with the patient in

person and send a follow-up letter as outlined in this list.

5 https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/terminating-patient-physician-relationship

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