Resource Library

Inadequate coverage arrangements can lead to abandonment allegations. Any time you are unavailable to your practice (e.g., on vacation, observing holidays, attending medical conferences, suffering from an illness, treating other patients, etc.) appropriate coverage must be arranged. The following case studies highlight the risks of poorly planned coverage.

A patient with a potential post-operative complication should not be terminated until the complication is resolved.

Although 30 days’ notice will be considered reasonable in most cases, ethical concerns can require a longer period. For example, physicians pledge to “do no harm” and also have an obligation to place patients’ welfare above their own interests.* Balancing patient and physician interests can get tricky when it will be difficult for the patient to find a new physician.

Terminating treatment of a chronic pain patient can become complicated, even when a patient agreement is signed and the termination letter is sent.¹

Terminating treatment of a behavioral health patient can be challenging, particularly when the patient’s behavioral well-being is dependent on the medications you are prescribing and the therapy you are providing.*