Quote:
Originally Posted by Lauliza
It's illegal? When my pdoc was leaving the hospital I initially saw him at for private practice, he said I was welcome to go with him, but understood if I couldn't because of the longer drive. So I did say I may need someone new and he quickly said he was sorry, but he wasn't able to refer me to anyone. He did become colder while I was looking for a new doctor but once I decide to go with him to the new office, he warmed up again. I guess other patients didn't follow him though since I received a letter from the hospital apologizing for his "abrupt" departure and offering a pdoc if needed. So would that mean he abandoned those patients? I did think it was odd at the time but I was told he didn't have to help me find a new doctor.
|
It's illegal for MD's and social workers to abruptly discontinue relationships with clients/patients without referrals, unless they are under threat or duress. You would have gotten the same letter at the other clients if you hadn't followed your Pdoc. In your case the hospital was responsible for the well being of all patients, and is thus obligated to make the referral. They are the legal party responsible. Usually when MDs leave practices they have someone take over the practice, or the hospital will assign the practice to someone new. So, no your Pdoc didn't abandon anybody, because the hospital acted on his behalf, and made a suggestion/referral.
In case you're curious here's what is says in the social worker code of ethics:
Social workers should take reasonable steps to avoid abandoning clients who are still in need of services. Social workers should withdraw services precipitously only under unusual circumstances, giving careful consideration to all factors in the situation and taking care to minimize possible adverse effects. Social workers should assist in making appropriate arrangements for continuation of services when necessary.
I'm sure if Pdoc's have one it would be similar, although they might just be bound by Hippocratic Oath since they are MDs. I'm sure that you can google it if you really care.