The Art of Negotiating Physician Employment Agreements

Negotiating an employment contract prior to starting a new physician practice opportunity is paramount in ensuring a mutually beneficial long-term relationship with both the physician and the hospital. This is the only opportunity both parties have to ensure their respective needs are being met.

Whether you're the head of a medical practice inviting an experienced physician to join the group, or a resident contemplating a Letter of Intent, fair and effective negotiations are crucial to establishing a long-term working relationship.

Forethought, preparation, and the ability to listen are essential to success. Often times by the time most physicians realize that the terms of their Agreement are less than propitious it is usually too late. Most disputes between physicians and employers resulting in termination aren't related to medical competence. More often than not, physicians claim that their employers failed to inform them of, or misrepresented, working conditions, patient workload, call responsibilities, partnership potential, or the prospects for increased compensation.

During the negotiation process sometimes physicians become blindsided for lack of preparation and the failure to rank priorities effectively. It is important to consider a personal balance of long-term priorities over the course of your career including location, family, community amenities, and compensation.

Read the full article in Physicians News, or click here:
http://www.physiciansnews.com/2011/11/07/the-art-of-negotiating-physician-employment-agreements/