When a pediatric practice tells you that your child can no longer be seen because you won't follow its vaccination policy, it's easy to get overwhelmed.
And leave.
Don't leave empty-handed.
Once the practice decides to end the relationship, you have a different job:
- Get the dismissal in writing.
- Find out exactly when care ends.
- Ask what happens if your child gets sick in the meantime.
- Identify prescriptions, labs, referrals, or follow-ups that still need attention.
- Request a complete copy of your child's medical records for yourself.
- Ask for help identifying continuing care.
- Document what happened.
You don't have to argue about vaccines.
You don't have to win the room. You need to leave prepared.
We've created two free tools to help:
The Parent Guide — a simple checklist showing you what to do and what to ask.
The Practice Dismissal & Continuity-of-Care Form — something you can bring to the practice to document the dismissal, transition arrangements, and your request for your child's records.
If the practice won't sign your form, that's okay. Ask for its own written termination notice, submit your records request, and document the refusal.
We're also beginning to build state-specific versions, because the rules governing termination of an established physician-patient relationship vary from state to state.
If this ever happens to your family, remember:
They may control whether your child stays in their practice. They do not control how you leave.
Put the form in front of them. Get the decision documented. Get your child's records. Make sure the transition happens on terms you understand.
Don't just get fired. Take charge of the exit.
Be sure to share this so that other parents being kicked out have the same tools that you now have!
