I am a physician who has contracted with several PPOs and HMOs to provide health care to their patients. At what point does such a managed care patient become my patient?
Generally, the doctor-patient relationship is not formed until the doctor actually provides care for the patient. However, you should be aware that some hospital call arrangements or ER practices may create an expectation that a person you have not yet examined may be considered “your patient”. It is possible for a managed care contract to commit you to care for a certain panel of patients. You should review your contract to determine contractual obligations related to patient relationships. There may be language in the contract that references or defines when the physician-patient relationship begins.
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