When do most cases of patient abandonment occur?

Most cases of patient abandonment occur when a healthcare provider terminates the patient-provider relationship without proper notice or a reasonable transition plan. This often happens when a provider leaves a practice, fails to follow up on care, or refuses to see a patient for non-payment or behavioral issues. Abandonment can also arise in situations where patients are discharged from care without adequate referral to another provider. Proper communication and documentation are essential to avoid such situations.