| negotiating-contracts-ask-the-right-questions | Negotiating Contracts: Ask the Right Questions | Leadership | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/march-14/negotiating-contracts-ask-the-right-questions | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>March 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>Negotiating Contracts: Ask the Right Questions </h2>
<p><strong><em>Sponsored content</em></strong> </p>
<p>Evaluating a potential job and employer is all about asking the right questions. The more answers you can find, the better equipped you will be to negotiate a contract and make the final decision to sign or not. You obviously want to know your salary, benefits package, or paid time off. However, there are other inconspicuous terms of employment that you'll want to know about sooner rather than later. Here are a few questions to ask your future employer. </p>
<p><strong>What are the other physicians like, and how do you fit in?</strong> </p>
<p>Getting to know who you would be working alongside will absolutely give you a better idea of how the practice functions. If you're able to speak with physicians and other current employees directly, you could also gain some insight into what they do or don't like about their workplace. </p>
<p>Most importantly, you want to understand where you fit with the other physicians from a scheduling standpoint. The way they are scheduled will affect when you work, and vice versa. Find out how many other physicians are working and how you share call time with them. Ideally, call time should be equal and rotating between all physicians involved. Whether or not this is the case, also investigate capping your call time to avoid taking an unnecessary amount. </p>
<p>Finally, know what happens when another physician must be absent. Will there be a backup, or will you have to pick up the slack? Similarly, what happens if someone leaves the practice entirely? Find out how the employer plans to handle these situations, and ensure your contract protects you from taking on any excess workload. </p>
<p><strong>What patient volumes can be expected?</strong> </p>
<p>Production bonuses are great, but only if you can meet the threshold. When your earnings are dependent on the number of patients you see, you must either see more patients or lower the expectations defined by your employer. While the former is mostly out of your control, the latter can be changed in your employment contract. </p>
<p>Inquire about patient volumes early in your talks with an employer. If you get the chance, ask other employees as well, so you get a more neutral view of the situation. Once you receive a contract, if you know what volumes to expect, you can determine whether the proposed bonus rate and threshold are reasonable. You don't want to sign a contract with a bonus threshold you will never realistically reach. </p>
<p><strong>What happens in the event of a buyout?</strong> </p>
<p>Questioning these more unassuming contract details helps you prepare for the "what-ifs," and a buyout is a big what-if to plan for. Even if it seems unlikely, do not write off the possibility of a buyout or acquisition taking place. </p>
<p>Your contract should include specific language designed to protect you in such situations. For example, if your contract includes a non-compete, that clause should be written in a way that it is waived in the event of a buyout. When you sign the contract, you agree to non-compete terms relative to your employer's current location(s). You don't want the clause applied to additional locations owned by an acquiring company, and you may want to leave the practice altogether if you don't like the new direction. Being unrestricted by a non-compete allows you the freedom to change jobs without changing location. </p>
<p>Malpractice tail coverage also becomes a topic of concern when ownership changes. It's ideal that your employer is responsible for 100% of your tail coverage costs if a buyout happens, provided they aren't already. Like waiving the non-compete, this gives you additional flexibility if you decide to leave the practice, since you won't have to worry about paying for tail coverage. </p>
<p>Additionally, ensure your path to partnership is uninterrupted, and preferably accelerated as well. You don't want to put a lot of time into a practice, get close to obtaining partnership, and then have a buyout postpone or even negate everything. The effects of a buyout on your partnership should also be specified in your contract. </p>
<p><strong>It's all in the details</strong> </p>
<p>When searching for a new job, you can save a lot of time and avoid trouble down the road by ironing out the small details early. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they regard situations that seem insignificant or unlikely to happen. Some employers may downplay the possibility of a buyout or staffing changes. Even so, after you've found sufficient answers to your questions, ensure that you have protection written into your contract. Although you may be able to renegotiate later, it's always best to fully understand your employment terms and negotiate them before you sign. </p>
<p><em>--This article is brought to you by WSMA's preferred partner, </em><a href="[@]wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma_/partners-in-medicine/resolve.aspx"><em>Resolve</em></a><em>, providing WSMA members discounts on employment contract review services and salary data. </em> </p>
<p><em>You may also find WSMA's Career Center of interest in your job search. Find out more </em><a href="https://jobs.wsma.org/"><em>here</em></a><em>. </em> </p>
</div> | 3/14/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| ceo-rounds-feb-28-2025-protecting-medicaid-and-medicare-and-your-ability-to-provide-care-to-you | CEO Rounds: Feb. 28, 2025 - Protecting Medicaid and Medicare and Your Ability to Provide Care to You | Leadership | Shared_Content/News/ceo-rounds/2025/ceo-rounds-feb-28-2025-protecting-medicaid-and-medicare-and-your-ability-to-provide-care-to-you | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>February 28, 2025</h5>
<h2>
Protecting Medicaid and Medicare and Your Ability to Provide Care to Your Patients</h2>
<p>Jennifer Hanscom, CEO</p>
<p>
The WSMA works tirelessly to advance efforts that support and empower Washington state's physicians and their patients. Nowhere is that more important than in the realm of public policy. We view ourselves as your powerful ally in patient care, representing the profession in the halls of the state Capitol, with legislative bodies and government agencies, as well as before the courts based on policies and directions set by you, our members.
</p>
<p>
Our time and attention are primarily state-based, but often we must direct our advocacy at the federal level, representing your voice with our state's 10 congressional representatives and two senators.
</p>
<p>
For the past few days, our attention has been divided as we attempt to advance our state legislative priorities before critical legislative deadlines in Olympia, while also attempting to stop devastating cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, which would have long-term impact on your ability to provide care to patients.
</p>
<p>
As our Olympia team works with our members to testify on critical bills before the Legislature, our physician leadership and policy team has been meeting with Washington's congressional delegation urging action on Medicaid and Medicare before the March 14 deadline.
</p>
<h3>Action alert #1: Washington state's Medicaid funding at risk-contact Congress today!</h3>
<p>
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, House Concurrent Budget Resolution 14, which outlines Congress' budget blueprint for the fiscal year, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. It is expected that the U.S. Senate will pass an identical budget resolution enabling federal lawmakers to utilize "budget reconciliation," a fast-track congressional procedure that allows certain tax, spending, and debt-limit legislation to avoid a filibuster and pass with simple majorities in both chambers. Within this budget resolution are instructions for congressional committees to identify and alter policies related to revenue, spending, and debt. Most alarming are instructions for the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has direct and broad jurisdiction over Medicaid, to identify policies that save $880 billion.
</p>
<p>
While congressional Republicans, in coordination with the Trump administration, are still deliberating the exact nature of the policy proposals to achieve these spending reduction targets, it is widely expected that Medicaid would have to undergo a substantial overhaul to achieve those targets. Policies such as the implementation of per capita caps, mandatory work requirements for "able-bodied" Americans, or reductions in the federal medical assistance percentage, or FMAP (i.e., the amount the federal government reimburses each state for Medicaid), are just some of the drastic changes under congressional consideration.
</p>
<p>
All of these proposals represent real threats to physician practices and patients. Medicaid, also known as Apple Health, provides coverage to 2 million patients in Washington state.
</p>
<p>
In addition to harming patients, drastic cuts to Medicaid would also jeopardize our state budget and economy. Washington state receives 66% of its total Medicaid funding from the federal government and shifting that obligation-over $12 billion in 2023-from the federal government to the state would overwhelm our state budget, which is currently trying to fill a projected $12-15 billion budget hole over the next four years.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/oppose-federal-medicaid-cuts/?_zs=A3aFd1&amp;_zl=Vs76A">It's critical that you contact your members of Congress today and urge them to protect Medicaid funding</a>. Please share how cuts to the Medicaid program would impact patients in your community.
</p>
<p>
If you live in Central or Eastern Washington, it's particularly important that your representative in those districts, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R) in Congressional District 4 or Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R) in Congressional District 5, <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/oppose-federal-medicaid-cuts/?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=JvA6A">hear from you</a> on the impact these devastating cuts will have on your community. The WSMA executive committee has <a href="https://wsma.informz.net/WSMA/data/images/Rep%20Newhouse%20Medicaid_02272025.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">shared data</a> on the impact in those congressional districts, but the representatives would like to hear directly from their constituents. We encourage you to call or email a personal message to these representatives. Find contact information for Rep. Newhouse <a href="https://newhouse.house.gov/address_authentication?form=/contact">here</a> and Rep. Baumgartner <a href="https://baumgartner.house.gov/contact">here</a>.
</p>
<h3>Action alert #2: Continue outreach on H.R. 879, the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act</h3>
<p>
This legislation, if passed, would, effective April 1, prospectively cancel the 2.83% payment cut that went into effect on Jan. 1 while also providing a 2% payment update, helping to stabilize physician practices and protect patients' access to care.
</p>
<p>
To date there has been bipartisan support of H.R. 879. The WSMA is grateful to Rep. Kim Schrier (D-8), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-10), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-4), and Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-5), who have all signed onto the bill. If you live in their districts, be sure to thank them! If your congressional representative is not on this list, <a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f120960%2fRespond">please reach out to them</a>.
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://physiciansgrassrootsnetwork.org/be-heard?vvsrc=%2fCampaigns%2f120960%2fRespond">Contact your representative today</a> and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 879. Double check the list of co-sponsors on the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/879/cosponsors?s=4&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22H.R.+879%22%7D">bill webpage</a> before reaching out.
</p>
<h3>Time is of the essence-spread the word!</h3>
<p>
We hope you will share these calls to action with your colleagues, family members, and patients. In addition to emails and calls, the WSMA urges you to share your messages and stories on social media. Our team prepares social media toolkits on a bimonthly basis. If you would like to be an active ambassador for WSMA, <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=CgN5_wMfNU66xEvN3PBcAFbXjQTErcBIm97a5r4IigdUQ1pBQ0pSNFVFVk9INVlYTExJUlNNMURTVy4u">sign up here</a>. You'll receive our bimonthly toolkits as they're created, and our staff social media expert, Katie Howard, will help to onboard you on how you can help actively promote WSMA priorities through social media channels (and have a bit of fun doing so). You can also find our latest social media toolkit <a href="[@]wsma/advocacy/physician_advocacy/social-media-ambassador-program/wsma/advocacy/physician_advocacy/wsma-social-media-ambassador-program.aspx?hkey=1fe9fbaf-de48-4b56-bac6-fb1b4ca288c3&amp;_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=PvA6A">on the WSMA website</a>.
</p>
<p>
Even with all that's happening at the federal level, I also encourage you to continue to add your voice of support for <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=QvA6A">WSMA's Medicaid Access Program</a>. The bills are still alive in Olympia and need your support. Visit our <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/share-your-story/?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=RvA6A">Medicaid Access Program campaign website</a> to send a message to your legislator today. We urge you to share your stories in your local media and online. More resources, including fact sheets, supporting data, social media graphics, key messages, and more can be found on the <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/resources/?_zs=B3aFd1&amp;_zl=SvA6A">campaign site</a>.
</p>
<p>
With the legislative deadline for bills to be approved by fiscal committees approaching this Friday, many bills have either died or are heading to the floor of either the House or Senate to be voted on. The WSMA remains engaged on numerous issues including, but not limited to, prior authorization, vaccine education, medical debt, international medical graduates, health care registry, corporate practice of medicine, and noncompetes. Be sure to read our twice-monthly Advocacy Report newsletter and watch our weekly legislative update video for more detailed updates.
</p>
<p>
Thank you again for your engagement on these issues at both the state and the federal levels as we continue to raise the voice of the profession and your patients in these critical debates. As WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, noted in his <a href="https://vimeo.com/1058039701">recent message to the membership</a>, "The challenges we face today in health care policymaking at the state and federal levels are constant and intense. Regardless, professional integrity and patient welfare must remain paramount. The WSMA will continue to provide accurate, evidence-based information to our members to support and empower appropriate and lawful delivery of care, to elected officials to guide the development of state and federal policy, and to patients to shield them from overt misinformation."
</p>
</div> | 2/28/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| new-introducing-the-physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast | New! Introducing the Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast | Leadership | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/february-14/new-introducing-the-physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>February 14, 2025</h5>
<h2>New! Introducing the Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast </h2>
<p>Individual sessions from our WSMA and WSMA Foundation Physician and Practitioner Wellness Webinar Series are now available as enduring CME podcasts, accessible when and where you want. </p>
<p>Like the webinar series, the Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast provides resources on topics such as creating a culture of wellness, creating effective teams, and drawing on evidence-based work on wellness. Podcast topics are identified as critical for physicians, practitioners, and their health care organizations to commit to prioritizing wellness and aligning their efforts to reduce burnout and improve professional satisfaction. Each episode is moderated by a member of the WSMA and WSMA Foundation Wellness Committee. </p>
<p>The podcast is free and open to all practitioner types. Access the podcast episodes on the <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness-podcast.aspx?hkey=bc2edb3f-b410-48c8-8e36-1b9c4f24af67">WSMA website</a> or from our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>. </p>
</div> | 2/14/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |