Chelle Law can review your contract, identify the areas that could be improved, and assist you in negotiating the best contract possible. Each physician that requests Chelle Law’s assistance receives:
- Available in any state
- Flat-rate pricing with no hidden costs
- Review of your proposed employment agreement
- Phone consultation reviewing the contract term by term
- Follow up with a review of the needed clarifications
Physician Contract Terms
Contracts are a pervasive and obligatory part of nearly all business and legal transactions. Well-drafted contracts help to enumerate the responsibilities of the involved parties, divide liabilities, protect legal rights, and ensure future relationship statuses. These touchstones are even more crucial when applying their roles to the case of a physician employed by a hospital, medical group, or other health care provider. While contract drafting and negotiation can be long and arduous, legal representation is a must to protect your rights.
The present-day conclusion is simple: A physician should not enter into any contract without having the agreement reviewed by legal counsel.
No matter what physician specialty you’re in, we can help.
There is too much at risk for a physician to take contract matters into their own hands. In addition to the specific professional implications, contract terms can significantly impact a physician’s family, lifestyle, and future. There are many important contract terms and clauses which can present complex and diverse issues for any physician, including:
- Non-compete clauses
- Damages
- Indemnification
- Verbal guarantees
- Insurance statements
Additionally, often the most influential terms and clauses in any employment contract are the ones that are not present. With the advent of productivity-based employment agreements, any physician must review an employment agreement before it is executed. Chelle Law has practical experience drafting and reviewing physician contracts for nearly every specialty.
A thorough contract review can benefit new residents, attending physicians, doctors entering their first employment contract, or established physicians looking for new employment. By employing an experienced attorney for your representation, you can ensure that you will be able to fully understand the extensive and complex wording included in your contract. By having a complete understanding of the contract, you will be in a better position to decide whether you want to enter into the agreement, which will affect your career life for years to come.
The financial benefits gained from having your contract reviewed and negotiated by an experienced healthcare attorney far outweigh the costs associated with a review. You are a valuable resource, and you should be treated and respected as such. Chelle Law will personally dedicate their time to ensure that you are fully protected and assist you in the contract process so that your interests are fairly represented.
Common dangers associated with not having your employment agreement reviewed are:
- Inadequate professional liability and tail coverage
- Misidentifying negative terms
- Not enough paid time off (PTO) or Vacation time
- Provisions that violate Stark and the Anti-Kickback Statutes and Regulations
- Unfair restrictive covenants (non-competes)
- Unfavorable call schedules
- Lack of Benefits
- Biased Termination Provisions (With or Without Cause)
- Small Production Bonuses (RVU and gross income)
Additionally, common terms that need to be examined include:
- Arbitration
- Call Schedule
- Continuing Medical Education (CME)
- Dues and Fees
- Holiday Pay
- Hours
- Insurance
- Moving Expenses
- Repayment Obligations
- Salary
- Signing Bonus
- Suspension provisions
- Tail Insurance
- Termination
Coming into a new organization with a favorable contract can put the physician in a positive financial situation for years to come. Before you sign the most important contract of your life, turn to Chelle Law for assistance.
Chelle Law has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, representing various clients. Coupled with his strong legal knowledge in employment law and contracts, his unique background provides clients with expert representation that will help ensure they receive fair treatment in the contractual obligations of you and your employer.
If you need assistance with an employment agreement or contract review, schedule a Physician Contract Review with Chelle Law today!