You probably worry about your doctor giving you the wrong diagnosis or treatment to deal with a current health issue. However, things may actually be going well, until your doctor decides that he or she cannot continue to give you care. This sudden loss of your care could be a frightening possibility if your condition has yet to improve.
The American Medical Association explains that your physician has an obligation to do what is necessary to support your continuity of care. So your doctor should not just cut you off and leave you to fend for yourself. The AMA points out the proper steps your doctor should take to help you.
Notify you in advance
If you are in the middle of care, your doctor should not end it without warning. Your physician must give you notice long enough in advance that you can look for another doctor to resume your treatment. Depending on the complexity of your care, you may need more time to find the proper specialist to care for you.
Help you transfer your care
You may not be in a position where you can change your health care provider so easily. Some patients need help to acquire the services of another doctor. If you are in this position, your doctor may have the ethical responsibility to facilitate the transfer of your care. This may not be true in all cases, so check to see if your doctor should help you with switching your care.
Give you information
If your doctor suspects that there may be an interruption of care, your doctor should notify you about it before your treatment begins. You may not have the resources to easily change your care and you may want to pursue treatment from another provider if you stand a better chance of receiving care to completion.
In the event your physician terminates your care without warning, it is possible that your doctor may not have been forthcoming about problems that could end your care. Be aware that you have rights as a patient and can hold a doctor liable for malpractice.
