OK, I don't mean discontinue a relationship with a current patient. I don't mean stop accepting new patients. I mean, if a physician is currently accepting new patients, can he/she refuse to accept a SPECIFIC patient?

Here's the situation: My husband and I were talking about a family friend with, let's say, a colorful medical history and her own personal take on what constitutes good care. (I'm being kind)

My husband said, "She's going to end up so that no doctor will take her on."

I've been thinking about that. A doctor doesn't get your records until you're already a new patient, right? Can a doctor legally think/say, "This person has been to 15 doctors and accused them all of malpractice and not taking her seriously...I'm not accepting her as a patient."

I'm thinking a doctor doesn't even KNOW who the incoming patients are...in other words, you call the office, ask if the doctor is accepting new patients, the receptionist says "yes", and you make an appointment.

From the other perspective, how does a doctor avoid getting stuck with a cuckoo that's going to be trouble? Is it just a risk of the profession? Inquiring minds....