title: Terminating the physician-patient relationship.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This continues our series of articles addressing the many medicolegal aspects that impact the practice of dermatology. Because the physician-patient relationship is the cornerstone of every medical malpractice action, the proper termination of that relationship is very important.
  
  
  METHODS
  A format of an initial discussion of legal concepts followed by hypotheticals and a review of actual cases was chosen to enhance interactive learning. The subject matter is based on a review of medico-legal literature and actual recorded case law.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Once a physician-patient relationship has been established, improper termination of that relationship may constitute abandonment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Any termination of the physician-patient relationship must be reasonable in view of the patients' access to alternate medical care and medical problems and should be properly communicated to the patient.
authors.affiliation: Section of Dermatology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Proper
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016079:Refusal to Treat / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence