CAP's Risk Management and Patient Safety Department offers the following guidelines to help physicians who are retiring or otherwise closing or selling their practice, or for those handling the estate of a deceased physician.

When documenting patient encounters, CAP physicians are encouraged to review their notes prior to signing. If there is a need to correct, modify, or change the record, you should identify the note, enter the new data, and/or refer to the specific encounter, if necessary.

Introducing an electronic medical record system into a medical practice enables physicians and their staff to provide more efficient care by making patient information more accessible. It also presents some risks.

No doubt physicians would prefer to use their limited time to treat patients; not to research vendors or other business service providers. That is why CAP physicians have initiated a peer recommended business directory.

Your patient has requested the release of his or her medical records. You can find a sample Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Medical Information Release Form on our website.