YOUR PRACTICE LETTERHEAD

<Date>

Dear <Patient Name>:

In the framework of most professional relationships, there is some necessary latitude to the sense of satisfaction obtained by both the recipient and provider of services. Occasionally, however, when this sense of satisfaction is lower than what is tolerable for either party (or both), it becomes necessary to terminate the professional relationship by either party (or both).

In a medical context, a patient frequently will visit several physicians and eventually pick one whose style blends most with the person’s expectations of the delivery of medical care.  One visit to a particular physician no more obliges the person to continue care with that physician than does taking one’s car to a given mechanic commit one to taking the car there forever after.

The physician, likewise, must feel that the brand of health care being delivered to the patient must be meeting the patient’s needs and/or expectations.  When this feeling does not occur, the physician does the patient a disservice by continuing to offer care that is not being effective.  In addition, this causes a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction in the physician that is not only deleterious to the physician’s own physical and emotional health, but more importantly, could also spill-over and cloud other patient/physician encounters.

Because of the aforementioned considerations and after much long deliberation, I have decided it is best, for all parties concerned, to give you notice that, effective 30 days after receipt of this letter, I will no longer accept responsibility for your medical care.  It is advisable that you begin immediately to secure medical care from another physician.  Your health insurance company, the hospital emergency room, the County Health Department and the telephone directory are sources to assist you in your search.  Upon written request, we will provide a copy of your medical record to you or  to the physician of your choice.

Sincerely,