title: Avoiding the claim of patient abandonment.
abstract: Because of the fiduciary nature of the relationship, a physician cannot precipitously "call it quits" when the physician-patient relationship becomes untenable. However, termination of the relationship with adequate notice, clear communication, documentation and attention to the patient's continuing needs can successfully avoid any liability for patient abandonment.
authors.affiliation: Saint Luke's Health System, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thieman
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D016079:Refusal to Treat / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*