Alexandra Maria Fotiou, MD

May 28th, 2021

I apparently was "dismissed" as a patient of Dr. Fotiou without a phone call letter or any notice AT ALL and I am in need of meds from her so when I called to get a refill, her secretary told me I was "dismissed because blah blah blah when the Dr. didn't even know what was going on with me and I told her secretary that I would explain everything to the Dr. at my Dec. appt. I am very upset and surprised and really did like this Dr. but and this is being quoted word for word: " What defines patient abandonment? Patient abandonment generally is defined as the unilateral severance by the physician of the physician-patient relationship, without giving the patient sufficient advance notice to obtain the services of another practitioner, and at a time when the patient still requires medical attention. While individual states have their own definitions of patient abandonment, the concept of reasonable notice is common to most jurisdictions. In New York, for example, the following is considered professional misconduct: “Abandoning or neglecting a patient under and in need of immediate professional care, without making reasonable arrangements for the continuation of such care, or abandoning a professional employment by a group practice, hospital clinic or other healthcare facility, without reasonable notice and under circumstances which seriously impair the delivery of professional care to patients or clients.” While some jurisdictions require a specific amount of time for providing notice to the patient, others simply allude to “reasonable” notice. In the absence of a specific legal notice period, 30 days generally is considered a reasonable amount of time to provide adequate notice to the patient in advance of termination. The physician also should check his or her managed care contracts, which may include specific requirements concerning the termination of covered patients. Significant liability, fines and/or restrictions or loss of the physician’s professional license can result . . . et al patient abandonment is addressed in the medical malpractice laws, and significant liability may result if the physician abandons a patient without sufficient notice in advance of termination and injury results. Anyone else can research these laws and practices. Very simple, I used to work in the law field so I was familiar and did some research. I am only posting this because I look for reviews and or medical malpractice, etc. when I am trying to find some sort of Dr. or surgeon and I wish this was posted when I was researching psychiatrists. That is the only reason for this post. Most importantly, during the “notice” period, the physician must continue treating the patient and remain available for office visits."
Jan 2nd, 2018