Physician practices undergo closure for many reasons, including physician illness, death, relocation, or the physician's decision to sell, practice solo, join another group, or retire. Especially in this time of healthcare mergers, more physicians and practice administrators are facing changes. Of paramount concern during any change in practice is the continuity of patient care to ensure that no patient is neglected.

In any type of practice change, notify the following individuals and entities:
* All patients and legal representatives in the "active" caseload.
* All peer physicians within the community.
* Local hospitals and medical societies.
* All third-party payers (to include Medicare and Medicaid) and managed care organizations.
* The DEA (if you are retiring or if you are moving to another state).
* The state licensing board.
* Professional associations in which you hold membership.
* Your CPA or financial adviser.
* Your employees.
* Landlords, lenders, and creditors.
* Insurers that cover the practice, the employees, and the physical facility.

Draft a letter to each patient that contains all of the necessary details. The same letter can be used for everyone listed above. It is recommended, if possible, that letters be sent by first class mail and that a copy of the letter with the return receipt be kept. If a patient is considered high risk, consider sending the letter certified with return receipt requested. Post a notice in a local newspaper for at least one month to inform inactive patients or those who have moved away. Include directions for obtaining acute, critical, or emergency care if a new physician has not been selected by the time the practice closes.  Read more