Key Factors in Hospital Employment Contracts

Hospital Employment continues to be an increasing trend in physician employment models. However American Medical News recommends physicians keep in mind the following 7 items before signing a hospital employed contract:

1. Job Description
2. Restrictive Covenants
3. Outside Activities
4. Payment Recoupment
5. Tail Coverage
6. Call Coverage
7. Contract Termination

Before physicians sign any employment contract it is important they understand not only the terms of their compensation but key factors in the entire employment picture. If both parties have a comprehensive understanding of exactly what the incoming physician will be doing including all responsibilities, precisely how they will be compensated including any production or RVU based bonuses, and all other requirements of the position it will avoid confusion and possible unpleasantness after the contract has been signed.

Read the full article in American Medical News, or click here:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/19/bisa1219.htm

Physician Shortage: Not So Grim in Certain Locations

There has been a lot of press on the threat of the current and impending physician shortage; however not all states are experiencing the same concerns of physician shortages. On a national level, Scripps Howard News Service has reported that new research determines not all areas are under as much pressure for current physician demands as well as any new demands health care reform may require.

This is still a good market for most any specialty physician, surgeon, or family practice physician to find a job based on their personal motivators, but some areas are not as tight on physicians of all kinds as other locations. Rural areas and areas with a high percentage of retired patients are typically experiencing an increased demand for physicians compared to larger, metropolitan cities.

Another encouraging figure comes from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) which reports the number of medical school applicants is at an all-time high. First-time applicants increased 2.6% from last year to 32,654 students, and total applicants rose 2.8% to 43,919 applicants, AAMC said in an October report. Actual enrollment rose 3%, according to Scripps Howard.

Colorado is one of the states that isn't feeling too much pressure regarding the physician shortage, even considering health care reform, if it continues to move forward. However Oklahoma is concerned about the current and impending shortage; The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University are even encouraging the state to recruit and train more physicians. South Carolina is another state that is concerned about the current and future demands for physicians.

Read the full article by clicking here:
http://www.fiercehealthcare.com/story/physician-shortage-isnt-bad/2011-12-15

100% Increase in Physician Practice Employment Expected in 2011

2011 has proven to be a strong year for employing positions in physician practices. With the year almost over, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics has reported that employment in physician practices will nearly double from figures last year.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics does not track position titles, however based on classified and job board listings most of these positions are in clinician roles.

The physician shortage is still apparent, 2012 is looking to continue to be a strong year demanding physicians of all specialties in both hospital based and private physician groups.


Read the full article in American Medical News, or click here:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/12/05/bisf1208.htm