How to Terminate a Patient? A Physician's Attorney's perspective

If you are a healthcare provider and are having a difficult time with a particular patient, you may want to consider terminating the relationship.  The termination could be for various reasons. You do not need to provide a reason, but if you are expecting retaliation suit or a licensure complaint you may consider documenting it in the patient file and/or in the patient termination letter.   The State of Florida requires that you provide the patient 30 days notice before you terminate them. In the meantime if the patient needs urgent care, they should still be able to reach your office, but if they need emergency care they should go to the local hospital or call 911.  If you have any questions please feel free to call us.

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Here is a sample letter template:

SAMPLE PATIENT TERMINATION OR DISCHARGE LETTER

MONTHXX  XX, 20XX

Ms. PATIENTXXX 11111 NW 10th Court CITYOFFLORIDA, FL 33099
And delivered via email to: [email protected]

RE: Notice of Discharge of Patient from Medical Practice

Dear Ms. PATIENTXXX:

This letter is to notify you that you are being discharged from our medical practice.  The reason for the termination is [PICK THE ONES THAT APPLY]:

• Inappropriate behaviors or actions
• Failure to keep appointments
• Failure to pay bills
• Failure to follow practice rules or procedures
• Failure to comply with your treatment plan

You have 30 days from the date of this Notice to find an replacement physician or medical practice.

In the event you need urgent care, our office is still open and available to work with you during those 30 days.  Should you need Emergency Care, please dial 911 or go to your local hospital for assistance. 

Should you need a copy of your medical records, please contact XXXJOERECORDKEEPERXXX at XYZ Phone##### or email at XXXJOERECORDKEEPERXXX.yahoo.com

Please Govern Yourself Accordingly.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly at (954) 111-2222 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

____/s/IAMPHYICIAN_________

IAMPHYSICIAN

MANAGER/PHYSICIAN

cc: Patient File

If you have any questions, you can always get an appointment to discuss your situation in detail.  Just click on the schedule button on the upper right hand side of this page.  

Ben Mirza is not only an attorney but was formerly a CPA, with a masters of public health.  There are over 100,000 attorneys in Florida, less than 500 of whom were ever Certified Public Accountants, and even less have the trifecta combination of law/finance/strategic healthcare background.   The benefit of this combined and layered skillset works well for clients who want an advocate to approach the issues holistically.