|Articles|November 1, 2012

What is the correct way to terminate a patient-physician relationship?

A patient with complaints about Dr. Derm's medical assistant demanded a refund on his co-pay, then threatened to destroy the doctor's reputation online. The patient returned a week later with worsening cellulitis, Dr. Derm refused to see him. The patient later became septic and he filed a medical malpractice lawsuit. What did Dr. Derm do wrong?

Newsletter

Like what you’re reading? Subscribe to Dermatology Times for weekly updates on therapies, innovations, and real-world practice tips.

Subscribe Now!

Related Content

Latest CME

Medical Crossfire®: Navigating Chronic GVHD Prophylaxis and Treatment – Targeted Strategies to Elevate Patient Outcomes
Video

Medical Crossfire®: Navigating Chronic GVHD Prophylaxis and Treatment – Targeted Strategies to Elevate Patient Outcomes

Corey Cutler, MD, MPH, FRCP(C); Amin M. Alousi, MD; Mehdi Hamadani, MD; Anna Sureda, MD, PhD

View more
Expert Illustrations & Commentaries™: Exploring Novel Therapeutic Targets in Acne Management
Multimedia

Expert Illustrations & Commentaries™: Exploring Novel Therapeutic Targets in Acne Management

Hilary Baldwin; Neal Bhatia, MD

View more
Burst CME: Targeted Therapy for Optimal Psoriasis Management
Video

Burst CME: Targeted Therapy for Optimal Psoriasis Management

Tina Bhutani, MD

View more
Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference 2026
In-Person Event

Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference 2026

June 17-19, 2026

Register now!
Understanding Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
Video

Understanding Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

Diego Ruiz Dasilva, MD, FAAD; Brad Glick, DO, MPH. FAAD; Peter Lio, MD

View more
Clinical Consultations™: Providing Holistic Care for Complex Cases of Psoriasis with Cardiovascular Comorbidities
Video

Clinical Consultations™: Providing Holistic Care for Complex Cases of Psoriasis with Cardiovascular Comorbidities

Brittany Weber MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA; Lourdes M. Perez-Chada MD, MMSc

View more
Assessing the Evidence for OX40-OX40L Axis Inhibition for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
Video

Assessing the Evidence for OX40-OX40L Axis Inhibition for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Johann Gudjonsson, MD, PhD; Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD

View more
Navigating Safety Data with Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Management
Video

Navigating Safety Data with Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors in Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Management

Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH; Leon Kircik, MD

View more
Burst CME™: Optimizing Care for Patients with Psoriasis – Incorporating a Buy-and-Bill Model for Biologic Agents into Dermatological Practice
Multimedia

Burst CME™: Optimizing Care for Patients with Psoriasis – Incorporating a Buy-and-Bill Model for Biologic Agents into Dermatological Practice

Jerry Bagel, MD, MS

View more
Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection™: Addressing Patient Challenges With Holistic Approaches to Vitiligo Management
Video

Patient, Provider, and Caregiver Connection™: Addressing Patient Challenges With Holistic Approaches to Vitiligo Management

Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH; Chesahna Kindred, MD, MBA, FAAD

View more
Cases and Conversations™: Biologic Matchmaking in Psoriasis – Finding the Right Therapy for the Right Patient
Video

Cases and Conversations™: Biologic Matchmaking in Psoriasis – Finding the Right Therapy for the Right Patient

Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C; Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP

View more
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Diving Deeper Into Disease Pathogenesis, Severity Assessment, and Holistic Management Approaches
Video

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Diving Deeper Into Disease Pathogenesis, Severity Assessment, and Holistic Management Approaches

Hadar Lev-Tov, MD; Martina Porter, MD

View more
Derm Nexus The Inflammatory Disease and Innovations Congress for NP/PAs
In-Person Event

Derm Nexus The Inflammatory Disease and Innovations Congress for NP/PAs

November 19-21, 2025

Register now!