![]() ![]() Such an agreement will allow you to have continued access to the medical records that you entered even after leaving the practice. This clarity can be achieved by entering into a written agreement when joining the group. In a group practice such as a clinic, it should be clear who will retain the medical records when you leave the practice. You may charge an appropriate fee for this service, which may be set by provincial or territorial medical associations or in regulations. The transfer should take place as soon as reasonably possible, or as prescribed by your College. You are required to facilitate this process once you have received the patient’s authorization to do so. ![]() Patients who find a new physician may need to have their medical records transferred. Consult your College’s policies on specific requirements in your jurisdiction. Physicians are generally required to notify patients directly through one or more channels: letter-mail, email, telephone, or in-person at a scheduled appointment. In Ontario and Alberta, for example, at least 90 days notice is required, unless the closure is unexpected or due to circumstances beyond the physician’s control, in which case the notice must be communicated as soon as reasonably possible. Notifying patientsĬollege policies may stipulate a minimum required duration for notification to patients of a planned closure. Refer to your College’s policies and standards on physician responsibilities when closing or leaving your practice. Nevertheless, consulting physicians need to consider appropriate transfer of care for those patients who are in active treatment or require follow-up. While all physicians should plan for closure of their practice in keeping with College policies, maintaining continuity of care is an especially important consideration in primary care practices. Some regulatory authorities (Colleges) require physicians to proactively plan for unexpected practice closures, 1 and so physicians may need to lay out such a plan in collaboration with partners or colleagues. ![]() Where advance notice of a physician’s departure is not possible as in the case of sudden illness, death, or other unforeseen circumstances, responsibilities related to practice closure may be undertaken by a business partner, colleague, family member, or an executor for the estate of a deceased physician. Thoughtfully managing the various aspects of closing or relocating a clinical practice ensures the needs of patients continue to be met and potential medical-legal risks are mitigated. The decision to close or relocate a medical practice can be a difficult one, with consequences for patients as well as for the departing physician’s colleagues. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |