Physician Contract Review FAQ
Why choose the Physician Contract Lawyer?
Let an expert review your employment contract so that you can focus your time on what matters most to you—your patients and your practice. The Physician Contract Lawyer comes from a family of physicians and he uses this unique perspective of the life of a medical professional coupled with his own professional experience in contract law to provide you with practical solutions to achieve your financial and employment goals. Physicians take care of patients. The Physician Contract Lawyer takes care of physicians.
What makes your law firm different?
Choosing a law firm to review and negotiate your contract is one of the most important decisions you will make. We have particular and substantial experience in reviewing employment agreements of not only physicians, but all types of medical professionals including dentists, nurse practitioners, and others. We have a network of various health care professionals, including clients, who we may rely on for particular background information which may be useful in negotiating an employment agreement with a particular specialty. Unlike other firms who may only correspond through e-mails, we will also discuss your case through telephone conference calls or upon request, in person. You will not speak to a consultant or a junior attorney. You will receive personalized attention and will speak to a reputable, seasoned physician contract lawyer that is duly licensed to practice law. We also offer very competitive rates and flexible payment terms.
Are you able to help me if I am located outside the State of Texas where you are licensed?
Yes. Transactional attorneys, such as The Physician Contract Attorney, routinely practice law across many jurisdictions. We offer our services to all health care professionals located throughout the United States.
Why not use a low cost provider?
There are many companies out there that offer contract review services. Some companies are “contract mills” and will churn volumes of contracts in exchange for ultra-low fees, but you generally get what you pay for. Many companies also offer a contract review service for a very low cost, but they will pitch you on their financial services and insurance and investment products. They are salesmen, not lawyers, and most salesmen are not licensed to practice law. Make sure the company you are investigating is an actual law firm with licensed attorneys who will review your contract. Employment contracts are legal documents so it makes sense to have an individual licensed in the practice of law to review these agreements. Additionally, you want to seek help from a “physician contract lawyer” who has experience reviewing employment agreements of physicians. Attorneys who do not practice in this area may not be able to identify a lot of important concepts in your contract. The services we offer are very unique and are not fungible. Therefore, you shouldn’t go to the lowest bidder. Would you select a physician based on price?
Can you help me if I have already signed my contract?
Yes. We have clients who have already signed their contract and are unfortunately experiencing a disagreement with their employers. We will review your contract to determine if your contract addresses the issue you are facing, and how a court at law might resolve the issue. If the issue is not addressed, then we have experience creating novel ways to help you accomplish your objectives. If your objective is to leave the employer, then we will formulate an exit strategy and inform you of any post-termination obligations under the contract (for example, a confidentiality clause may prohibit you from using information you gained from your former employer for use with your prospective employer). We also help employees who may be renewing their contracts (for example, we often ask for better compensation terms because of the increase in business the employee has thus far generated). Contact us for more information.
Can you speak directly to my employer about the contract?
Clients often ask that we communicate directly with the employer. We are happy to assist. It is also not uncommon for an employer to direct their own attorney to speak to us—attorney-to-attorney.
Do you assist practice owners and other employers of health care professionals?
Absolutely. We have experience in helping medical practices in drafting contracts with their own health care employees and/or independent contractors. For example, we advise physicians and dentists who own their own practices and who seek to enter into contracts with other physicians and dentists and nurses and assistants whom they want to employ. We also provide employers with advice regarding any employment issues they may have with their employees. We have experience sitting on both sides of the bargaining table.
What does your contract review include?
We start with a complimentary initial consultation to learn about you and your goals. After learning about your background and your objectives, we discuss how the law firm can help you achieve your objectives. If you desire for your contract to be reviewed, then we will ask that you send it to us by facsimile or email. When we receive your contract, we will carefully review its contents and analyze its terms. We will then schedule a call with you and spend an hour to an hour and a half educating you about your contract. If you engage us to negotiate the contract, then we will suggest ways to improve your contract and will re-write the contract accordingly. We will then engage in negotiations directly with your employer. We are available for any follow-up questions you may have.
How long does the process take?
In most circumstances, we can review your contract in a few business days depending on the length and complexity of your contract. If you require immediate service, then we can help expedite your review upon the payment of an additional fee.
What are some common mistakes doctors make about contracts?
The most common mistake is that doctors do not have their contract reviewed by an attorney and sign it “as is”. The fact that you are looking for an attorney to review your contract puts you in front of 90% of your peers. Some doctors erroneously believe that the language in a contract is just “boilerplate” and is not enforceable. It is. If you agree to it, it more than likely is enforceable. Do not sign a contract unless you are prepared to observe every provision that is required of you. Once you sign a contract, it is very challenging to contest its terms. Another mistake is that some new doctors believe their first job out of medical school will be their last one. It won’t be. Statistics show that a majority of new doctors will change jobs in the first five years of employment. These physicians may be surprised to learn that they can’t leave their jobs freely because of onerous terms in their contract like advance notice requirements. Additionally, new employers may want to confirm with these doctors that they are not subject to non-compete provisions that would prohibit them from working with the new employer.
How much do you cost?
We would love to discuss pricing with you. We frequently work with residents and fellows by offering discounts to ensure they have access to legal services. We also offer discounted rates for those doctors exploring locum tenens options. We keep our overhead relatively low so that we can offer our services at affordable rates. Our rates are competitive with the rates offered by other law firms. We also offer flat fee structures and flexible payment plans. We offer packages and custom pricing options. We are more than happy to receive your contract in confidence and give you an estimate on such a review at no charge. Our rates and fees are transparent, and you will know how much our service costs before we begin work for you. There are no hidden fees or charges. Please contact us for additional information.
How do I get started?
Give us a call or send us an email to set up your complimentary, initial consultation. If you decide to hire us, then we will send you an engagement letter that details our obligations to you as well as the price and payment terms for our services. After you review it and sign it, then we will begin to work on your matter.
How can I contact you?
You can call us at 713-408-3759 or CONTACT US
Houston | Dallas | Austin | San Antonio
Physician contract lawyer providing services in Texas and throughout the USA.