Practice Management Alert

If the time comes for you to dismiss a patient from your practice for failure to pay, be sure to word your letter just right to avoid liability. Heres a sample letter you can use as a guide when drafting your own.
 (Source: Attorney Robert Wanerman with Reed Smith in Washington.)

Return Receipt Requested
Date: ___________________

Dear ______________:
I find it necessary to inform you that I am withdrawing from providing medical care for (you/your children) effective (include a reasonable time period, based on the patients condition and course of treatment). I will be
available to provide treatment until that date should (you/your children) require medical attention.
 
I recommend that you continue (your/your childrens) care with another physician as promptly as possible. You can contact (list resources, such as county medical society and/or specialty board; list telephone numbers and website addresses). These organizations will be able to provide you with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of several other physicians in the area should you need a referral.
 
In order to help the transition process, I will make your medical records available to you or a physician of your choice. I have enclosed a Consent For Release of Medical Records form for your convenience, and will provide the records when I receive the signed form.

Sincerely,
___________________________, MD