PHYSICIANS

There’s been a lot of physician consolidation in the last ten years: local groups like Sentara, Bon Secours, Chesapeake Regional have made it a practice to buy physician practices and employ doctors. The concept of “provider-based billing” (the idea that hospitals can bill more for the same service than an independent physician group) made it very lucrative for the “big guys” to gobble up independent medical practices around here. Hey – I’m all for making a buck and I totally understand the drive for local health systems to maximize reimbursement, but what about your interests as a physician?

If you’re a physician, having a healthcare attorney review your Employment Agreement is a really smart idea. Even if there’s limited opportunity for negotiation, it’s great to be able to walk into a new job with confidence. Pero Law can break down the terms of your employment in such a way that you understand the nitty-gritty so there are no surprises.

If you’re one of the brave souls who decide to start your own practice, Pero Law can help from start to finish. From fluctuations in reimbursement to anti-kickback laws, your practice comes with some pretty unique requirements. Pero Law is familiar with the challenges you face and we keep track of the rapidly changing healthcare laws. Let us help you as you grow. If you’re starting a practice, we can help form your business entity and guide you as you find a location, hire employees (Employment Agreements, Employee Manuals), and bring on health insurance payors and other vendors.

If you’re buying a practice we can assist by reviewing the “purchase documents” (Stock Purchase Agreements, Buy-Sell Agreements, Membership Purchase Agreements, Stockholder Employment Agreements… you get the picture). We’ll work to make sure that your interests are protected as you proceed to practice ownership. If you’re taking out a loan, we work with your bank/lender to make things go smoothly.

Maybe you’re ready to grow and open a new location. We can help by reviewing lease documents and negotiating with the Landlord on your behalf so you get the best deal possible. If you need to hire additional doctors or staff, we’re ready with Employment Agreements and compensation strategies to fit your needs. Maybe you’re ready to bring on a partner. We can help by drafting purchase documents that reflect the needs of your practice and protect your business.

There’s always the day-to-day questions: we regularly field general business questions that start with the phrase, “Can I …?” From billing issues to HIPAA compliance, let us help you grow the RIGHT way. We’re available when you are: early morning, during your lunch break, in the evenings, or on weekends. If you’re not seeing patients, you’re not getting paid – why hire a lawyer who only works 9-5 weekdays?? We leverage technology to make the lawyer/client relationship easier on you. You’re busy seeing patients, and we know you don’t have time to waste.

When you’re ready to retire, we’re here to help you sell your practice as well. If you hired a broker to find a buyer, we coordinate with your broker to make the transition into retirement as smooth as possible. If you found someone to buy your practice on your own, we work with Buyers and Buyer’s attorneys to close the deal on time and as efficiently as possible. At Pero Law we believe in being “deal makers” – we don’t stand in the way – we get the deal done. Pero Law’s approach is to simplify the chaos, allowing you to focus on what’s important.

If you’re ready to partner with an advisor who understands your medical practice, give us a call. We get it.

Pero Law has experience in the following:

  • Business formation: entity creation, operating agreements, partnership agreements, corporate documents, bylaws, EIN (employee identification number), etc.

  • HIPAA Compliance

  • Regulatory Compliance

  • Stark/Anti-Kickback: transactions with medical professionals and designated health service (DHS) providers such as hospitals and health systems.

  • Employment Agreements for healthcare professionals

  • Employment issues: wRVU calculations, quality metrics, CME reimbursement, compensation negotiation

  • Medicare/Medicaid compliance

  • Management Agreements

  • Telemedicine

  • Corporate Practice of Medicine

  • Concierge Medicine

  • Physician/Physician Practice Partnership formation and dissolution issues

  • Mergers/Acquisitions

  • Leases: space lease, office equipment leases

  • Service Agreements / Professional Service Agreements

  • Vendor Agreements

  • Managed Care/Payor Agreements

  • Medical Director Agreements

  • Business Associate Agreements

  • Fair Market Value / Commercial Reasonableness issues

  • Retirement / Closing a Medical Practice