Physician Retirement Notification Letter Samples

Physicians must be careful not to break their relationships with patients in the wrong way when they close up shop. This may not only result in a bad impression of the physician and the practice, but it may also lead to claims of patient abandonment by those patients later on. As such, it is always a good idea for physicians to create and send out a physician retirement notification letter to each of their patients.

In a physician retirement notification letter, it is important that the physician clearly state that they are retiring from their position and provide the date of when they intend to retire. It is also a good idea for the physician to thank their patients and make arrangements for them to transition to another physician in the community or clinic, where possible. The letter should be finished with contact information for future correspondence or inquiries.

If the physician is leaving a group practice, it is also important to notify each of the vendors and other parties of the impending closure. This will help to ensure that they are aware of any outstanding payments and obligations.

It is recommended that the physician do this as early as one year prior to their planned retirement. This will give them time to identify and compile a list of all the contracts that they are party to, including personal service agreements, office leases, maintenance and repair services, insurance policies, and utility contracts. They should then review these with their attorney and assess whether any of them require a notice or termination clause.