Starting your first position at a medical practice is exciting, but it’s also a critical moment to protect your career and financial future. Before signing a physician employment agreement, there are several key factors every new physician should consider.

First, review the compensation structure carefully. Many contracts include base salary plus productivity incentives, bonuses, or RVU-based pay. Make sure you understand how income is calculated, when payments are made, and how factors like patient cancellations or insurance denials may affect your earnings. A thorough physician contract review can help clarify these details and prevent surprises.

Second, consider the benefits package. This includes health insurance, retirement contributions, CME allowances, and malpractice coverage. Some agreements require you to pay for tail coverage if you leave, which can be expensive. Understanding the full financial impact of benefits and potential liabilities is essential before committing.

Third, examine workload and scheduling expectations. Your contract should clearly define call requirements, patient volume, clinic hours, and flexibility. Overly vague language can lead to burnout or conflicts with practice management.

Next, pay attention to restrictive covenants, including non-compete and non-solicitation clauses. These can limit where you can work if you leave the practice. Negotiating narrower terms upfront can protect your future options. A skilled physician contract lawyer can help ensure these clauses are reasonable.

It’s also important to evaluate the practice culture and leadership structure. Understanding decision-making processes, administrative support, and opportunities for professional growth can make a big difference in job satisfaction.

Finally, clarify the termination provisions. Know the notice requirements, circumstances for termination with or without cause, and any severance protections. Clear terms help prevent disputes and give you peace of mind.

In summary, joining a medical practice as a new physician is more than just accepting a job offer. Careful physician contract negotiation and review help ensure fair compensation, manageable workload, and long-term career flexibility. Taking the time to understand the contract and the practice environment will help you start your career on solid footing.

Contact our physician contract review lawyer to set up a review of your contract.