The College of Physicians and Surgeons has provided the following letter as an example for terminating a patient. Please bear in mind that this letter must be customized to fit your particular circumstances, as you have an obligation to explain your reasons clearly and understandably to your patient:
Dear (patient's name):
As I told you the other day, my first obligation as a medical doctor is to provide safe and effective care to all my patients. This I can only do in the context of a satisfactory physician/patient relationship in which we must both participate willingly.
(Use the next paragraph to outline your reasons such as:
In reviewing your medical record, as I did with you the other day, it has become evident to me that you are unwilling to comply with the medical advice that I have given you for the treatment of your condition. It seems that you feel that the treatment is not necessary, but you will recall that I indicated to you that, in my opinion, it is extremely important that you continue this treatment.
Describe any other reasons for ending a doctor-patient relationship e.g., drug seeking by the patient, a breakdown in your interpersonal relationship, disagreements with relatives, etc.)
In these circumstances, I do not believe that it is in your interest for me to continue as your physician. I therefore regret to inform you that I will not be in a position to provide you with further medical services after (date ? this time will vary, but you should give at least 2 to 3 weeks notice).
Until that date I will be available to render emergency services to you, but I will not be able to provide elective care.
I urge you to obtain the services of another physician satisfactory to you as soon as possible. When you have had an opportunity to see your new physician, please ask him or her to contact me and, with your consent, I will be pleased to provide a summary of my care of you while you have been my patient.
Yours very truly,
Signature of physician