Geographic Scope - Physician Contract Glossary

Geographic Scope

Definition

The physical area in which your non-compete clause restricts you from practicing after leaving your employer.

Examples in Context

“The physician agrees not to engage in medical practice within a 10-mile radius of the employer’s primary clinic or any affiliated facility for a period of 12 months following termination.”

“Upon termination, the physician shall not establish or join a competing practice within 15 miles of any office location managed by the employer.”

Implications for Physicians

• Larger geographic scopes may force relocation to avoid violating the clause.
• Primary care physicians often face smaller geographic limits compared to specialists.
• Broad geographic restrictions may significantly limit job opportunities in your desired region.

Negotiation Tips

• Request that the restricted area applies only to your primary practice location, not all satellite offices.
• For rural practices, ensure the radius isn’t excessive given lower population density.
• Ask for language that exempts non-clinical roles such as telemedicine, consulting, or teaching.

Red Flags and Pitfalls

• An overly large geographic scope may be legally unenforceable but still costly to dispute in court.
• Some contracts fail to specify how the radius is measured — ensure the contract defines distance as “driving miles” rather than “as the crow flies.”
• Employers may attempt to include unrelated practice locations to expand the restriction unfairly.

Related Terms

• Covenant Not to Compete
• Restricted Activities
• Buyout Amount

FAQs

• “Is a 25-mile restriction reasonable?”
  • It depends on your specialty and location. For urban areas, 5-10 miles is more common, while rural restrictions may extend 20-30 miles.
• “Can I negotiate a smaller geographic scope?”
  • Yes. Focus on limiting the restricted area to your primary practice site and ensure satellite locations are excluded.
• “What happens if my employer opens a new office in the restricted zone?”
  • Clarify in your contract that the restricted area only applies to office locations that existed during your employment.

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.