Contract Negotiation: Ten Questions to Ask

1. How many people have been in this job before me?
2. Are there any relatives in the practice? What is their scope of duties?
3. What are the incentive and buy-in structures?
4. What is the long-term potential for this position?
5. How are patients assigned?
6. Do I have any financial obligations if I leave before or at the end of my contract?
7. Who is responsible for the tail coverage?
8. What is the probability of being called if I am on call?
9. If I am being hired to replace a retiring physician, is the retirement date set in stone? Is the practice under financial obligation to buy out the retiring physician?
10. Why does the salary offer differ so much compared to other practices?

You have the right to ask questions and receive satisfactory answers. Make sure that you get answers to your questions prior to signing your contract. Avoid assuming what the answer to one of your questions might be, in the event that your assumed answer is not what you were hoping for.