Closing a medical practice, transitioning to a new practice
setting, or having a colleague leave a practice are all examples of major
changes that may require advanced notice and proper planning. The purpose of
this guide is to provide guidance to physicians and other health care providers
to help make these transitions as smooth as possible, while keeping in mind the
continuity of patient care. The Massachusetts Medical Society's A Guide to
Practice Transitions or Retirement covers seven practice transition areas:
- Retiring
- Selling the Practice
- Closing the
Practice
- Transitioning to Part-Time
- Moving to an Employment
Option
- Moving to Another Practice
- Physician Death
The practice of medicine is getting increasingly complex and having to
consider business aspects of closing or transitioning a medical practice may be
a daunting task. There are many legal and business considerations that may
determine a physician's contractual obligations upon leaving or closing a
practice.
This document is not intended to provide legal advice
but rather to help only with the professional aspects of transitioning a
practice. All items discussed in this guide should be considered, such as
medical record retention responsibilities and the duty to provide advanced
notice to patients and other stakeholders.
Advanced planning is
essential to meeting professional and ethical obligations, and minimizing
financial as well as other types of risk in the future. We strongly advise to
seek independent business or legal counsel who can assist with specific concerns
or questions.
Contributors
Talia Goldsmith, MHA
Kerry Ann Hayon, MHA
Lindsay Garito, MPH, CPH
Meghan Stanley
Liz Rover Bailey, Esq.
All pages listed below are member
only. 
Notifications
Medical Records Consideration
Licensure Considerations
Malpractice Insurance Considerations
Business Closure Arrangements
Useful Information and Resources
Letter Templates/Samples
