Final answer:
The correct next step for a physician who decides not to treat a noncompliant patient is to send a letter of formal withdrawal to the patient by certified mail. This ensures legal documentation and communication clarity, providing the patient with necessary information and a timeframe to find new care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physician decides not to treat a patient for noncompliance with the medical advice or treatment plan, the correct next step is to send a letter of formal withdrawal to the patient by certified mail. This formalizes the termination of the patient-provider relationship and ensures a record of the communication. It also protects the physician legally by providing proof of the notice given to the patient.
It is crucial to follow proper protocol when ending a medical relationship to ensure that abandonment charges can't be brought against the physician. The letter should contain information on the patient's condition, the importance of obtaining another doctor, a reasonable timeframe for them to find new care (usually 30 days), and potential sources for new care. However, during this timeframe, the physician is typically still obligated to provide emergency care if needed.
Telephoning the patient or transferring records without formal notice does not provide the necessary documentation and could lead to a misunderstanding or potential legal issues. Additionally, scheduling the patient with a partner without resolving the compliance issues may not address the underlying problem of noncompliance.