Common examples of patient abandonment include: An in-home caregiver failing to appear and provide sufficient care during pre-specified hours. Insufficient hospital, urgent care center, or private practice staffing. The medical staff failed to reach out to patients requiring follow-up care. The medical staff scheduled the patient’s appointment too far in advance, despite the patient needing critical care as soon as possible. A nurse or other staff member failed to relay a question from a patient to a doctor. General lack of quality communication among doctors and staff members. Staff disorganization, such as failing to return patient phone calls or messages. Patient abandonment does not occur if: The patient violates the hospital or doctor’s policies. The doctor, nurse, or other caregiver does not have the skills and experience to provide the patient with the right care. Legal or ethical issues occur during the treatment process. The patient does not adhere to the doctor or other caregiver’s recommendations, such as taking a specific prescription medication dosage at predetermined times each day. There are not enough medical supplies, equipment, or other resources to provide sufficient care. The patient repeatedly missed or canceled appointments.