What elements should comprise a letter terminating the physician-patient relationship?
1) a statement of the patient’s condition; 2) an offer to render “emergency care only” for the next 30 days; 3) a specific ‘final treatment’ date, beyond which no care will be rendered; 4) a recommendation to immediately find another physician, if appropriate; 5) a description of possible outcomes if no further treatment is obtained; and 6) an offer to furnish the records to the patient or patient’s new physician. In addition, a referral source for securing another doctor should be provided. Send the letter by both certified and regular mail.
