Can your doctor dump you as a patient for going to a walk-in clinic?

It's unusual, but your doctor can drop you off as a walk-in clinic.

This work is called "patient dismissal" and there are situations in which it is legal and illegal.

The legal law of doctor-patient relationship:

Inappropriate or threatening behavior: If you behave badly or threaten your doctor, you may be removed.
Failure to follow orders: If you follow medical orders or self-medicate, your doctor may turn you away.
Failure to pay: If you do not pay for your appointments, your doctor may leave you.

Going to the clinic without an appointment, in itself, is not a legal reason to terminate the doctor-patient relationship.

But there are a few cases where your doctor might be uncomfortable with you going to a walk-in clinic instead:

Financial issues: In some Canadian provinces, if you go to a clinic without an appointment, the doctor may lose part of his income.
Follow-up care: If you come to the walk-in clinic for a health problem that requires ongoing care, your doctor may take full care of you.

In general, talk to your doctor if you're worried that your doctor is going to turn you away for going to a walk-in clinic. Talk about your concerns and make sure you get the health care you need.

Note that this law may be different in each province. It is recommended to refer to reliable sources such as the website of your provincial medical association for more detailed information.

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