Patient abandonment.

Continuing a series which began in February, this installment of "Patient Abandonment" gives insights into how such a situation might be perceived by a patient, defended by a physician, and interpreted by a court of law. Several situations are cited, including such settings as educational or training institutions, joint ventures or enterprises and in the case of telephone contacts. Other topics include "Duty to Refer," "Abandonment by Improper Referral," and "Failure to See Patient."