3 things to look for in your next physician contract

Compensation and contractual details for physicians can come in a variety of packages, making it challenging to examine the full extent of, which is why the American Medical Association has published guidelines about what to look for.

The contracts physicians enter into for their employment contain complexities and details that "can have a big impact on your earnings, benefits and well-being," the AMA article states. 

In a recent AMA podcast, Wes Cleveland, a senior attorney for the association, detailed several key things physicians should keep in mind when reviewing contracts, including:

  1. Look for any terminology that outlines how you will be paid and any additional benefits it may include like relocation benefits, signing bonuses, etc.

  2. Understand restrictions like noncompete clauses. Though the Biden administration is aiming to remove these in the future, for now, make sure any language around where you can or cannot practice after signing the contract is clear to all parties.

  3. Seek clarity around your expectations from your employer. The contract should state when you're expected to be on-call, the scope of care you'll be expected to provide, and the duration of your contract. If anything is unclear, make sure you get it explained before signing.

Read more of the AMA's contract examination tips.

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