how to dismiss a patient from dental practice before starting treatment

Send dismissal letters via certified mail with return receipt that documents receipt by the patient. Also send a second copy via regular mail. Document the dismissal in the patient records, including a copy of the letter, and certified mail receipt.

Full Answer

When can a dentist dismiss a patient from a dental practice?

The dentist has the legal ability to dismiss a patient when the patient-dentist relationship has broken down beyond repair. This video file cannot be played. (Error Code: 102404) The following considerations will help minimize the risks that accompany dismissing a patient from a dental practice. Patient dismissal should be a last resort.

How do you write a letter of dismissal for a dentist?

Have someone other than the letter writer read the letter; try to have the letter seen from the patient's You cannot refuse to send records or x-rays to new dentist or patient just because their account is not fully paid. Send dismissal letters via certified mail with return receipt that documents receipt by the patient.

What to do if a patient refuses to go to the dentist?

You should be available for emergency care until the patient finds a new dentist. Give a time period that you will remain available, such as 30 days, or give a specific end date. Letter should state any untreated problems you have diagnosed, and consequences of not treating them. Offer to transfer their records to another provider.

What is a dismissal of a patient?

You see, a dismissal is a formal action. Going to the efforts of formally dismissing a patient is reserved only if there is an unfinished dental procedure that you can’t (or won’t for reasonable cause) finish. Notice I said unfinished procedure; not an unfinished treatment plan.

How do you fire a dental patient?

Try not to vent, or say anything to offend or inflame the patient. You usually must complete any procedures that have been started. You should be available for emergency care until the patient finds a new dentist. Give a time period that you will remain available, such as 30 days, or give a specific end date.

Why would a dentist dismiss a patient?

Patient dismissal The dentist has the right to dismiss a patient in situations where it is impossible to resolve differences or if the dentist cannot abide the patient's behavior within the practice, as long as the dismissal is not for a legally impermissible discriminatory reason.

How do dentists terminate patient relationships?

Terminating the Dentist/ Patient RelationshipGive the patient sufficient notice of the dentist's intent to withdraw in writing. ... Write a letter that include reasons for professional relationship termination: ... Strongly urge the patient to seek continued care if necessary, even if this be at a different dental clinic.More items...•

How do you fire a dental patient sample letter?

I believe that I can no longer meet your treatment expectations. Therefore, this letter is to inform you that I must discontinue my dentist-patient relationship with you. I will be available to treat any emergency you might have for the next 30 days, provided that you call my office beforehand to make an appointment.

What is legally necessary to dismiss a patient from a dental practice?

Common requirements include 30 days written advance notice, providing guidance on finding another dentist and forwarding patient charts to the new provider. Develop a patient termination policy for your practice. This document should establish the conditions under which you will decide to dismiss a patient.

When should a patient be dismissed?

Guidelines. The reasons physicians give for wanting to dismiss patients include patient noncompliance, failure to keep appointments, or rude behavior. When deciding whether to dismiss a patient the physician must consider the patient's medical status and needs.

Can a dentist drop you as a patient?

A dentist can refuse to accept a patient or can dismiss a patient provided notice is given and alternate care arranged in a case of potential abandonment. Patient dismissal should always be done in writing and presented as being in the patient's best interest.

What must the dentist do if the patient refuses the proposed treatment?

The dentist should take the time to discuss any questions or concerns that the patient may have about the recommended treatment and to understand the reasons for any refusal. If a patient refuses recommended treatment, the dentist should thoroughly explain the risks and likely consequences associated with that refusal.

What does abandonment mean in the dental office?

Abandonment occurs when a dentist terminates a patient relationship without giving the patient adequate notice or time to locate another practitioner. Abandonment issues generally will not arise when a dentist properly dismisses a patient from his or her practice.

How do I write a letter of termination of care?

This letter is to advise you that I will no longer be available to provide medical services to you after (FUTURE DATE ALLOWING PATIENT REASONABLE TIME TO FIND ANOTHER PHYSICIAN). I will be available to treat you until (DATE FROM ABOVE), so that you will have access to care while you choose another physician.

How do you write a letter to discharge a patient from practice?

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs.: I am writing to formally discharge you as a patient from my medical practice. Between now and (date one month from today), we will provide you emergency care as needed. This should allow you amply time to find another practice to provide your podiatric care.

How do I write a letter to discharge a patient?

As we discussed, I find it necessary to inform you that I will no longer be able to serve as your doctor as of (date at least 30 days from date of letter). The primary difficulty has been (indicate general reason, e.g., your failure to cooperate with the medical care plan, your behavior toward my staff, etc.).

How to document dismissal of a patient?

Document the dismissal in the patient records, including a copy of the letter, and certified mail receipt. If there are factors that led up to the dismissal, make sure they are objectively documented in patient records. Inform all office staff of the dismissal.

How long do you have to be available for dental surgery?

You should be available for emergency care until the patient finds a new dentist. Give a time period that you will remain available, such as 30 days, or give a specific end date.

What do practice owners lack in knowledge?

What most practice owners are lack in knowledge is not how to book an appointment, but rather how to be an effective leader. The best systems in the world are useless if the staff do not comply. Good leaders know how to get staff to willingly follow through and comply.

How to monitor what gets done?

The only way to monitor what gets done is with daily stats especially for your weak areas. For example, one employee should be specifically responsible for calls to patients who are unscheduled, overdue for re-care or need reactivation. Other staff can and should help in coordination with the accountable employee.

Can you refuse to send x-rays to a new dentist?

You cannot refuse to send records or x-rays to new dentist or patient just because their account is not fully paid. Send dismissal letters via certified mail with return receipt that documents receipt by the patient. Also send a second copy via regular mail.

Can you dismiss a patient?

General guidelines to keep in mind for patient dismissals: You may dismiss a patient if you cannot establish a satisfactory doctor-patient relationship. It is not required, but you may give a dismissal reason. If you do, there is no need to be overly specific in the letter. Keep it general, professional, objective, brief, and concise.

Is a doctor-patient relationship voluntary?

The doctor-patient relationship is a voluntary two-way relationship. Terminating this is necessary on occasion, but there is a good way and a bad way to do it. Top dental consultants recommend you first, attempt to remedy the situation if possible. Document efforts in the patient record.