Patient dismissal: The right way to do it.
Lippman, Helen MA; Davenport, John MD, JD
[Miscellaneous Article] Journal of Family Practice. 60(3):135-140, March 2011.

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Under what circumstances is it permissible for a physician to "fire" a patient? We present a balanced- and legal-approach.

PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Unless a single incident irreparably damaged your relationship with a patient, exhaust all efforts at resolution before deciding on dismissal. SymbolCT229Symbol. No caption available.

Establish policies that help you set limits on problem behavior-eg, drug-seeking or angry outbursts-while continuing to care for the patient. SymbolCT229Symbol. No caption available.

When dismissal is unavoidable, inform the patient in writing that you will be available to handle medical emergencies until he or she has found another physician. SymbolCT229Symbol. No caption available.

Carroll Dowden (C) 2011.