Assignment of Patients - Physician Contract Glossary

Assignment of Patients

Definition

Determines how new or existing patients are distributed among physicians in the practice.

Examples in Context

“New patients will be assigned based on physician availability and specialty.”

“Patients shall be allocated at the employer’s discretion, with consideration for physician workload and specialty alignment.”

“The employer reserves the right to assign patients in a manner that promotes balanced schedules across providers.”

Implications for Physicians

• May affect your ability to grow your practice or earn bonuses.
• Unclear policies may result in favoritism or uneven workloads.
• Limited control over assignments may impact your long-term patient base.

Negotiation Tips

• Request equal opportunity for new patient assignments.
• Ask how referrals are managed and documented.
• Consider requesting written policies on patient distribution to ensure fairness.

Red Flags and Pitfalls

• A vague policy could disadvantage newer physicians in the group.
• Employers may prioritize long-term physicians for high-revenue or complex cases.
• Overly restrictive patient assignment policies may limit your growth potential.

Related Terms

• Compensation
• Call Coverage
• Employment Contract
• Duties and Responsibilities

FAQs

• “Can I refuse a patient assignment?”
  • Only if contract language permits exceptions. Request a clause allowing you to decline assignments under specific circumstances, such as schedule conflicts or scope-of-practice concerns.
• “What happens if my assigned patients exceed my capacity?”
  • Request a cap on patient assignments or ensure the employer agrees to adjust workloads to maintain safe patient care.
• “Can I request specific patient types or demographics?”
  • Yes, particularly if you have specialized skills or experience. Be sure this request is outlined in your contract.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this glossary is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this content is intended to help physicians better understand common contract terms and does not replace professional legal guidance.

For personalized advice regarding your employment contract or other legal concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney who specializes in physician employment contracts.

You can find experienced legal professionals through our Physician Contract Lawyer Directory.