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Ensuring Continuity of Care When Retiring or Closing a Practice

June 22, 2017

A carefully planned and executed patient notification process is the key to ensuring continuity of care and minimizing liability risk when retiring or closing a practice. The method by which you inform patients should be based on whether they are active or inactive. Consider the following recommendations:

Informing Patients of Your Practice Closing

  • Informing Active Patients: Between 45 and 60 days in advance of your practice closing, send letters to all of your active patients that include the following information:
    • The date you intend to stop practicing
    • The person who is taking over your practice or otherwise assuming the care of your patients
      • If no one is taking over, refer patients to the local medical society or to a referral source.
    • An offer to transfer a copy of a patient’s medical records to another physician or provide the patient with a copy upon receipt of a written authorization
      • Include a blank authorization form with the letter.
    • Send the letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, to patients with serious medical conditions or who need close follow up.
    • Keep a copy of the letter and the mailing list.
      • If any letters have been sent by certified mail, keep a copy of the returned receipts.
  • Informing Inactive Patients: Place an advertisement in a local newspaper for several days informing patients of how to obtain copies of their medical records.

More Information About Reducing Risks when Terminating the Physician-Patient Relationship

This content from Claims Rx

Filed under: Patient Relationship, Practice Management, Best Practices, Practice Manager, Physician

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