Send a letter to all current patients approximately 90 days or so before the last date of active practice. Include:

1. the date the practice will close,
2. the importance of seeking continued health care,
3. and notification that the patient's records will be sent to a physician of the patient's choice with the patient's authorization.

If appropriate, enclose a release form with instructions about its return. The letter should clearly explain that medical records are confidential and cannot be given to anyone without the patient's written authorization. You may wish to send the letter "return receipt requested" to document notification. Include in the letter several well-chosen physicians in the appropriate specialty or refer the patient to the local medical society.

If you are leaving a group practice, you might refer the patient to an appropriate group member. Patients who are currently ill or hospitalized may need more personal notification. Seeing them in an office visit or on rounds in the hospital may be more appropriate, followed by an official notification letter.

Obstetricians should be particularly careful to provide care for patients in their last trimester, or for those at high-risk for complications. Personal communication with these patients is essential so that individual treatment plans can be discussed and documented. Make certain that the patient has another physician and the records have been sent.