Practice Transitions

Closing a Medical Practice

The OMA recommends that due care be exercised when closing or departing from a medical practice to  ensure a smooth transition. It is the patient’s decision from whom to receive medical care, so it is the responsibility of all physicians and other parties who may be involved to ensure that:

• Patients are notified of the termination of the physician-patient relationship sufficiently, in advance. Advance notice aides in ensuring a minimum of disruption with continuity of care as well as reducing the liability of “patient abandonment”.
• Patients are notified of changes in the medical practice. This is best done by letter to patients by the physician explaining the change, including the final date of practice. OMA recommends, if possible, that letters be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and that a copy of the letter with the return receipt be kept. To inform inactive patients or those who have moved away, the OMA also recommends placing an advertisement in a local newspaper.
• Patients are advised as to where their medical records will be stored including how they may access them. To facilitate the transfer of medical records to the new treating physician, an authorization form should be included in the letter.
• Patients secure another healthcare provider. If the practice is being taken over by another physician or another can be recommended, the patients can be referred to that physician.

Related Resources

• Closing Your Practice Checklist
• Closing Your Practice - OMA Medical-Legal Information
• Closing Your Practice - AMA Resources
• Moving to the Next Chapter Presentation
• Sample Letter to Patients
• Purchase the AMA's Selling, Closing and Valuing the Medical Practice for in-depth guidance.