Contracting guidelines for internists.

Abstract

Government regulations, the introduction of new health care delivery methods, and the rising number of physicians joining the medical community have combined to increase the importance of the business aspect of medical practice. As a result, many physicians have documented their relationships with various third parties through contracts. As the incidence of contractual relationships between physicians and third parties has increased, so has concern regarding the legal ramifications of the contracting process. This guide is intended to explain the basic characteristics of contracts and to provide the individual physician with information regarding the contracting process. The guide is divided into three sections: key elements of a contract; types of contracts, including hospital/physician contracts, hospital/physician joint ventures, and group practice contracts; and negotiating the contract. Each section offers an explanation of the topic, which is followed by specific questions for the individual physician to investigate. These lists of questions are designed to provide a starting point for physician discussion of the philosophical, personal and practical areas to investigate before entering into a contract.