Page 36 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

• Avoid referring the patient to a specific physician. Instead,

refer the patient to the local medical society or another
physician referral source in the community.

• Always send a written notice of termination to the patient

by certified mail (see a sample at Vantage.svmic.com).

• The written notice of termination should:

» Indicate the reason for termination unless doing so
would further inflame the patient. (NOTE: SVMIC

does not recommend indicating a specific reason
unless required by law. Contact a claims attorney for

assistance).

» Do not use defamatory language.

» Specify whether the patient is being dismissed by an
individual physician only or by the entire group.

» State that care will be provided to the patient for

the next 30 days while he/ she looks for another
physician. A specific date of termination should be

indicated.

» State clearly the need for ongoing medical care if

such care is necessary.

» Explain that, upon request, a copy of the patient’s

medical records will be sent to the new physician.

If the relationship is terminated by the patient, the treating
physician should confirm, in writing, the patient’s intent to

terminate and clearly state the patient’s duty to procure another
physician without delay if continued medical treatment is

required. An authorization form may likewise be sent with this
letter, along with the representation that medical records will

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