The Delicate Process of Terminating a Patient

Dr. Zacharias is joined by Dr. Sue Sgambati, COPIC’s Medical Director, to discuss situations where a physician is thinking about terminating a patient from their practice. Common issues that we see include multiple missed appointments, rude behavior, or non-compliance with medication. The conversation focuses on considerations from a physician’s perspective (disclaimer: consult an attorney for legal advice in these situations) starting with a thoughtful analysis of “why do you want to terminate a patient? what is the core issue?” We look at assessing the timing of a termination, how to draft a formal letter that is brief and objective (without letting emotions seep in), and other aspects that include transferring medical records and referrals to other providers. BONUS CONTENT: Dr. Zacharias highlights the news around using monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of COVID.

https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/therapies/anti-sars-cov-2-antibody-products/anti-sars-cov-2-monoclonal-antibodies/

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Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient’s specific condition.