Terminating the Physician-Patient Relationship
Ophthalmologists frequently have questions about terminating the physician-patient relationship. Using the sample letters and guidelines provided in this document will help minimize the risk of patient harm and of allegations of patient abandonment. OMIC policyholders may contact our confidential Risk Management Hotline for assistance by emailing us at riskmanagement@omic.com or calling 800-562-6642, option 4.
Following the advice in Terminating the Physician-Patient Relationship can help minimize the risk of patient harm, and reduce the likelihood of allegations of patient abandonment.
Click on the name of the document or the “Recommendations” button to download the document. There are several sample letters at the end.
Noncompliance: A Frequent Prelude to Malpractice Lawsuits
Noncompliance: A Frequent Prelude to Malpractice Lawsuits
Patients who do not show up for appointments or follow treatment recommendations represent a significant professional liability risk for ophthalmologists. This noncompliance toolkit discusses the issues and provides sample letters.
Handling the Disruptive or Dangerous Patient
Providing care that improves a patient’s quality of life leads to many very rewarding patient physician relationships. However, the unfortunate reality is that ophthalmologists and their staff sometimes need to deal with very angry and sometimes violent patients.
See the sample Policy and Procedure for Disruptive or Dangerous Patient below to educate and protect staff and others from patients who behave in a disruptive or threatening manner.
OCB Policy to Handle Disruptive Patients
Employees: Providing Medical Care, Services, or Products
Physicians may treat their employees. There are patient safety and professional liability risks, however, if the physician does not provide medical care and services to employee patients in the same manner as any other patient.
See Providing Medical Care to Employees for guidance on the risks and how to avoid them.
