Practical Provider Group
Contract Clarity Workshop — Free Checklist
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
The questions every provider should ask — and get answered in writing — before accepting any psychiatric employment offer.
Never negotiate an employment contract without getting answers to these questions. Items marked ★ are the ones most providers fail to ask — and most regret not asking.
Tip: Ask these verbally during negotiation, then confirm the answers are reflected in the written contract. Verbal agreements are not enforceable.
Compensation
- What is the base salary — not the "up to" or "potential" figure?
- If this is RVU-based, what is the target RVU and what does that translate to in annual income?
- What is the bonus structure — what triggers it, how is it calculated, and when is it paid?
- Is the salary guaranteed for a minimum period, or does it convert to productivity compensation?
- What is the total compensation package value (salary + benefits + CME + signing bonus)?
Malpractice Coverage
- Is this claims-made or occurrence coverage?
- If claims-made, who pays for tail coverage when I leave — and what is the estimated cost?
- What are the policy limits (per occurrence / aggregate)?
- Am I covered for work done outside this employment (moonlighting, locums)?
Non-Compete
- What is the exact geographic radius of the non-compete?
- Does it apply to all locations, or only to the specific office(s) where I work?
- How long does the non-compete last after employment ends?
- Are there carve-outs for patients I was already treating before this employment?
- Has the employer ever enforced this clause? (They may not answer, but ask.)
Termination
- What is the notice period for termination without cause — both directions?
- What constitutes termination with cause?
- What happens to my patients and my documentation if I am terminated?
- Is there a severance provision?
Schedule and Workload
- How many patients per day is expected? In writing?
- What is the time allocation per appointment type (intake vs. follow-up)?
- Is there protected admin time, or is documentation done on personal time?
- What on-call or after-hours expectations exist?
Benefits and Development
- What is the CME allowance (dollars and days)?
- Does the employer pay for licensure renewal and DEA registration?
- What is the PTO structure — how does it accrue and when can it be taken?
- Does the IP clause affect work I do outside employment on my own time?