Dear Patient,

It is with mixed emotion that I announce I will be retiring from my practice as of January 27, 2023, and the practice will be closing.   It has been a great pleasure serving my patients, and I consider it an honor that so many have trusted me with their dermatologic needs. 

 Staff and myself will be available for questions until January 27, 2023. After that date, you may contact me directly for administrative matters only for a few months, such as medical record requests, help with transfer of care or other needs.   The office number is (301)663-0400.  After January 27, 2023, you can reach me by mailing a letter with the HIPAA Medical Request Release to 63 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite A Frederick MD 21702, by phone at 301-663-0400, fax at 301-663-1906 or email at [email protected].

 Additionally, it is important that you begin arrangements to receive continued quality dermatologic care. I suggest that you contact any of the following for a referral:

• John Hopkins, 10755 Falls Road, STE 350 Lutherville, MD

• The Cosmetic & Skin Surgery Center, 63 Thomas Johnson Drive STE B, Frederick, MD
• WellAve Dermatology, multiple locations
• Anne Arundel Dermatology, multiple local locations
• Your insurance carrier for in network dermatologists

If you would like a copy of your medical records for yourself, I will need to receive a signed HIPAA Medical Records Release form, which I have included in this letter. Depending on how many pages your records are and or how many years you would like copied, there may be a fee charged per page, plus postage and mailing fees. This fee is established by the Maryland Medical Association (MedChi). Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about your records.

 Once you have a new physician or healthcare provider, he or she may request copies of your medical record in order to treat you. I cannot transfer copies of your records unless I have your authorization. Please have your new treating caregiver send me their HIPAA Request for Medical Records Release form with your signature and other information. There is no charge to send medical records directly to a new treating provider.

 If you do not request a copy of your records, your medical records will be retained by me according to Federal and State regulations.  When permitted, your medical records will be destroyed.

 Thank you very much for your cooperation. I extend my best wishes to you for your future.

 Sincerely,

 Charles Van Meter, M.D.