Yes - but with process: written notice, a transition window (typically 30 days) of continued urgent availability, help finding a new provider, and your records transferred to whoever you choose - while abandonment (cutting you off mid-acute-need without notice) is the line they cannot cross.
Legitimate reasons: repeated no-shows, non-payment, trust breakdown, refusal of the plan, abusive behavior. Extra protection near term pregnancy and in serious ongoing conditions; ERs can never refuse emergency care. Your moves: the reason in writing, your records with you (free electronically), and a discriminatory reason is a civil-rights matter, not a breakup.
What to do
Common questions
Can a doctor drop me as a patient?
Yes - the relationship is voluntary on both sides - but dropping you has rules, and "abandonment" is the line they cannot cross. The legitimate reasons: repeated missed appointments, non-payment after working with you, breakdown of trust or communication, refusal to follow a treatment plan, and abusive behavior toward staff. The required process: written notice (a letter), a transition window - typically 30 days - during which they remain available for urgent needs, help finding a new provider (referrals or a list), and transfer of your records to whoever you choose (your right to your records survives the relationship). The line that cannot be crossed: abandonment - cutting you off without notice or while you are mid-treatment for an acute problem. The special cases with extra protection: pregnancy near term and serious ongoing conditions get more transition care; emergency departments can never refuse emergency care regardless. Your rights in the moment: ask for the reason in writing, take the records with you (free electronic copies), and know that if the reason smells discriminatory - race, disability, and the protected classes - that is a civil-rights matter, more than a bad breakup. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you plan the transition.