Terminated patient reported to OPMC, now what?

Provided by:  Jennifer Kirschenbaum, Esq.

November 1, 2018

Question:

Jennifer, 

Some one from OPMC called my office asking about a patient we recently terminated.  I assume this patient made a complaint.  Now what? 

Thank you, Dr. L

Answer: 

Well, there are many reasons why the patient may have been terminated from the practice.  For those of your colleagues uncomfortable with terminating, know that it is commonplace for patients to be terminated for non compliance, non payment, abusive behavior, etc.  Regardless of the reason for termination, a universal practice should be employed - you should not be speaking to OPMC directly.   Engage counsel to do so on your behalf.  Reason being, regardless of the gravity of the complaint, or support, OPMC is tasked with investigating each practitioner a complaint is made on, and that investigator has broad authority to take a review any which way they like.  Anything you say can and may be used against you.   Work with counsel on a strategy to close any review as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Oftentimes we find the investigators very reasonable and open to resolving efficiently so long as the proper case presentation (cooperation and access, AND most importantly, strategy or response) is coordinated.     

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