Physician Employment Agreements: What to Negotiate in Tyler

Tyler’s hospitals and physician groups recruit heavily, and many physicians sign their first or next employment agreement without a full review. These contracts are long, and a few provisions have outsized consequences for your income and your ability to practice in East Texas later.

Compensation Structure

Understand whether you are paid a base salary, on productivity such as wRVUs, or a mix. Ask how productivity is calculated, when bonuses are paid, and whether the compensation model can change during the term.

Duties, Call and Schedule

The agreement should say where you will practice, what call coverage is required, and how extra shifts are paid. Vague language gives the employer room to expand your duties later.

Termination Provisions

Many contracts allow either side to terminate without cause on 60 to 180 days’ notice. Look at what triggers termination for cause and whether you get a chance to fix a problem first.

Non-Compete and Buyout

Texas requires physician non-competes to include a buyout option at a reasonable price and to preserve continued care and access to records for patients. Recent changes to Texas law add further limits for health care practitioners. Check the radius, the length, and the buyout amount carefully. See are non-compete agreements enforceable in Texas.

Malpractice Coverage and Tail

Find out whether coverage is claims-made or occurrence, and who pays for tail coverage when you leave. Tail can be expensive.

Lindsey Birdsong has represented physician groups in agreements with hospitals, including coverage, professional services and co-management agreements. If you are thinking about practice ownership instead, read buying or selling a medical practice in East Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate a hospital employment contract?

Often, yes. Compensation details, call duties, termination terms, tail coverage and non-compete terms are commonly negotiated.

How long should a contract review take?

Most physician agreements can be reviewed within a short time. Allow enough time before your deadline to negotiate changes.

Talk With a Tyler Attorney

Reviewing a physician agreement? Learn about our health care law services. Call Lindsey Birdsong, PC at (903) 595‑6297 or visit our contact page. Our office is at 2307 Dueling Oaks Drive, Suite 103, in Tyler.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Talk with an attorney about your specific situation.