Negotiate your contract
NEGOTIATE YOUR CONTRACT AND BEGIN YOUR FINAL PREPARATIONS BEFORE STARTING YOUR NEW JOB
Like with most legal documents, it’s a very good idea for you to have your employment agreement reviewed by an attorney. Working with an attorney who understands health care and employment agreements is very important. Everyone has a friend or cousin who is an attorney and will do this for next to nothing, but your money savings now could cost you down the road. You don’t want this process to get bogged down if it takes the attorney weeks to review it. Give them a deadline.
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
Most physicians need more time than they realize to complete all the paperwork necessary to start practicing, such as state licensure, hospital credentialing and getting set with insurance providers. Then there are all the personal matters involved, including house hunting trips and the actual relocation. Most people agree that you will want to have at least six months available from the time you finalize your employment agreement until you expect to start seeing patients.
This means that if your training ends in June, your goal should be to have a job by the end of December. It takes longer to acquire a license in some states than others, so know your situation and give yourself more time if needed.
If you are not already, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS). It provides a centralized, uniform process for state medical boards and credentialing staffs to obtain records of physicians’ core medical credentials. Some states require it while others won’t accept FCVS documents, so start now to see if it is for you or not.
THE FINISHING TOUCH
Once you’ve signed a contract, you’re almost done. Here are the last remaining to-dos for your job search to be complete:
- Prepare for your boards and start the licensing and credentialing process.
- Start house hunting and move your family.
- Set up and market your new practice.
- Start practicing and avoid common mistakes of new physicians.
- Refer a colleague to PracticeLink.com and celebrate your new job! Congratulations!