Doctor Contract Review: What Every Physician Must Know
A doctor's contract shapes your career, income, and where you can practice. This comprehensive guide covers what to review, which terms matter most, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
What Makes Doctor Contracts Unique
Doctor contracts include physician-specific terms: RVU-based compensation (productivity metrics), non-competes (restrict where you can practice), malpractice indemnification (legal protection), call schedules (defined nights/weekends), credentialing (hospital admitting privileges), continuity of care obligations (responsibilities for patient transitions).
Key Terms Every Doctor Should Negotiate
Most important: Non-compete (geography, duration, specialty scope). Malpractice coverage (employer vs. you pay tail). Compensation structure (salary vs. RVU-based, bonus eligibility, incentives). Call schedule (frequency, on-call pay). Termination (notice period, severance, patient transition plan). Credentialing support (how hospital helps you get privileges).
Common Doctor Contract Pitfalls
Pitfall 1: Non-compete too broad (restricts future practice locations). Pitfall 2: Malpractice tail uncovered (expensive surprise when you leave: $20K-100K+). Pitfall 3: Productivity targets unrealistic (pressure to overbook, burnout). Pitfall 4: No severance (you lose income if terminated without cause). Pitfall 5: Sign-on bonus with clawback (lose money if you leave early).
When to Hire an Attorney for Doctor Contract
Consider attorney if: Contract restricts your practice significantly (non-compete, specialty scope). You're earning $200K+ (attorney cost = 1% of earnings). Contract has unusual terms or tight deadlines. You're young/early career (contract impacts you for decades). Healthcare legal specialist (not general counsel).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do doctors really need attorney for contract review?
For most jobs: Start with $19 AI review. For high-income roles ($200K+) or complex terms: Attorney ($500-2,500) adds value. Critical terms to review: non-compete, malpractice tail, compensation structure.
How much can I negotiate in doctor contract?
More than you think. Healthcare employers expect negotiation. Push back on: non-compete (shorter duration), malpractice tail (employer coverage), call schedule (realistic), RVU targets (achievable). Compensation (salary) less flexible.
What's the biggest risk in doctor contract?
Non-compete. A broad 3-year, 50-mile non-compete could prevent you from practicing medicine in your area. This is worth negotiating hard on.
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