Risk Management

Leaving practice toolkit

Ophthalmologists leave practices for many reasons, including illness, retirement, changes in employment status, and personal or family needs. Both the individual ophthalmologist and the practice need to take steps in order to promote continuity of care, prevent allegations of abandonment, and ensure that all involved ophthalmologists have access to the medical records in the event the care is ever called into question. At the same time, both parties will need to take into consideration the terms of their contracts and the requirements of state and federal law.

This Leaving Practice Toolkit addresses the risks posed when an ophthalmologist retires or leaves a practice. Both ophthalmologists and groups need to take steps to prevent patient harm and reduce their liability exposure in these scenarios. Prepare your exit strategy early. Planning well in advance of the departure date helps all involved. While nothing can completely eliminate the stress of practice changes, much can be done to limit the likelihood of lawsuits.

Click on the “Download” button to access the toolkit, which contains sample change of practice letters.

Revised 2024