No overhead, less autonomy: CPSA releases guide for contract physicians

There are important considerations to make if you are a physician in Alberta considering contract work, according to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). “A physician under contract in a clinic will still be required to meet professional and regulatory obligations,” according to CPSA in its “Guide to working as a contracted physician in a community medical clinic,” which was made available in June. “It is important to understand the terms of a contract before committing in order to make an informed decision that allows them to practise safely and comply with their professional and regulatory obligations.” Here are some of the key points from the guide. 1. Professional trade-offs For physicians working in a clinic owned by someone else, there are no overhead costs associated with owning the clinic. However, they may have less control over their work environments and their schedules. 2. The legalese of it all Physicians working under contract may be required to have their own legal counsel and liability protection. They should review all contracts with their counsel and note the language in any liability clauses, as well as understand the details of indemnification clauses, if there are any. (Indemnification clauses are promises in which one side agrees to compensate the other side for “a specified harm or loss.”) 3. Patient records Physicians should “consider obligations such as patient record retention and continuity of care and how these will be met in the context of a contractual relationship.” They should “address issues of record ownership, custody and access before entering a contract.” 4. Compensation Pay attention to the remuneration model laid out in the contract. Is it based on fee-for-service billings or an hourly rate? Is there a payment schedule or benefits? In addition, the guide advises contract physicians to familiarize themselves with the clinic’s dispute resolution process. It also notes that, “Professional and ethical obligations apply regardless of whether a physician is contracted or self-employed.”

No overhead, less autonomy: CPSA releases guide for contract physicians

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