Representing Physicians In Contract And Discrimination Matters

Last updated on April 14, 2025

Contract Review

Most medical providers today are employees, not self-employed, and thus they are subject to employment contracts like many other employees. A great deal can be at stake in these contracts, including noncompete and nonsolicitation clauses. Physicians, especially those starting out in their careers, should have these contracts reviewed before signing them to look out for disadvantageous clauses that might be problematic in the future.

Mowery Youell & Galeano, Ltd., reviews physician contracts and recommends changes when appropriate. Reviews are prompt and comprehensive, including a comprehensive analysis of compensation and benefits. We can tell you how your proposed compensation package compares to the market.

We are usually able to improve contract language without antagonizing the hospital or clinic making the offer.

Unlawful Discrimination

Health care professionals experience discrimination like every other group. There are still institutions that treat protected groups differently from other employees. Providers are discriminated against on the basis of national origin, gender, race, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age and disability.

Discrimination may take the form of pay inequity, assignment to less desirable locations or units, unequal benefits, or retaliation or wrongful termination following a complaint. Cases can include charges of defamation and intentional interference with business relationships.

Types Of Physicians We Represent In Contract Review Matters

We assist many types of medical professionals, including:

• Neurosurgeons negotiating high-stakes contracts involving on-call rotations and facility support.
• Anesthesiologists who require clarity on coverage responsibilities and cross-credentialing agreements.
• Orthopedic surgeons reviewing production-based compensation and surgical scheduling terms.
• Plastic surgeons addressing ownership interests in outpatient centers and revenue sharing.
• Cardiologists seeking protections in group practice agreements and referral arrangements.
• Dermatologists navigating noncompete restrictions across multilocation practices.
• Gastroenterologists with language around endoscopy suite privileges and performance expectations.
• Thoracic surgeons seeking tailored indemnification provisions and defined work scopes.
• Urologists reviewing termination clauses and administrative support obligations.
• Ophthalmologists negotiating compensation models tied to elective procedure revenues.

Our clients range from new graduates entering practice to seasoned specialists evaluating partnership tracks. Each contract review is handled with attention to how terms affect both short-term flexibility and long-term career stability.

What Physicians Should Review Before Signing An Employment Contract

Even well-known health systems or large practices can present contracts with terms that are unfavorable or unclear. These are the most important areas physicians should not overlook:

• Compensation: Understand how salary, productivity bonuses and incentive pay are calculated. Clarify any performance metrics or thresholds.
• Call coverage: Review expectations for nights, weekends and holidays. Confirm how a call is compensated and if it increases over time.
• Noncompete provisions: Assess how restrictive the geographic scope and time limits are. These can affect your ability to practice if you leave.
• No-cause termination clauses: These allow termination without explanation. We review notice periods and what protections you have if let go without cause.
• Professional liability insurance: Understand whether the employer provides occurrence-based or claims-made coverage. Tail coverage responsibilities should also be clear.
• Relocation and signing bonuses: Be aware of repayment terms if you leave before the end of the contract term.
• Benefits: Evaluate retirement options, CME allowances, licensing fees, vacation and parental leave.

A contract that seems standard may still contain terms that can limit your practice or affect your income. That is why physicians should not navigate contract review alone. Instead, let our attorneys advocate for clearer, fairer terms that reflect your value.

Representing Providers Throughout The Columbus Metro Area And Central Ohio

We represent the spectrum of health care providers, including primary care physicians, subspecialists, medical residents, international graduates, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nursing staff. Our firm also represents caregivers in whistleblower and breach of operating agreement cases.

For more information, contact an employment law attorney at Mowery Youell & Galeano, Ltd., in Dublin. Or email our lawyers your questions.