Can a physician refuse to treat a current patient?
Yes, but the physician needs to follow appropriate guidelines. See California Medical Association (CMA) guidelines in regard to terminating the doctor/patient relationship. The CMA guidelines indicate a physician must notify the patient in writing informing the patient: • the last day the physician will provide care, assuring the patient at least 15 days of emergency treatment and prescriptions before discontinuing service; • alternative sources of medical care; i.e., referral to another physician, the patient’s insurer/HMO, or the local county’s medical society; and • information necessary to obtain the patient’s medical records compiled during this physician’s care.
Related Questions
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- Can a physician refuse to treat a current patient?
