The physician must always act in a manner that best represents the interests of the patient first and foremost. In order to avoid possible legal issues, it is highly advisable that the physician consult a lawyer prior to terminating the physician-patient relationship. An experienced lawyer can advise the physician on the best possible approach to ethically and legally end the relationship and to minimize the risks posed by each specific situation.
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January 2013Steven M. Harris, Esq., is a nationally recognized health care attorney and a member of the law firm McDonald Hopkins, LLC. He may be reached at sharris@mcdonaldhopkins.com.
Reprinted with permission from the American College of Rheumatology.