Q. I have received a new health care payment plan contract. Usually these contracts are complex, but this one is only a single page. I like that, but how can I be sure about what I am signing?
A. You want to enter each contractual arrangement with your eyes wide open. Even if the contract is just one page, such short documents often incorporate many provisions by reference; only an attorney with experience in these matters will understand the contract’s full effect. For instance, the single page may refer to a “provider” manual or maybe even a webpage that will contain important provisions. Those manuals and webpages will have all of the complexity that longer contracts have and will certainly contain important information you may want to consider.
As with any legal document, it is advisable to seek legal advice from your retained legal counsel before signing a health care payment plan contract. TMA has arranged a specially priced contract evaluation service for TMA members. For $150, Michael Z. Stern, JD, of the Law Office of Hubert Bell, Jr., will review a new or existing managed care contract for legal pitfalls and provisions that may alter or affect your medical practice. You will receive a written evaluation.
Send your contract along with payment to Michael Z. Stern, JD, Law Office of Hubert Bell, Jr. 1907 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78701. (Reviews of other types of contracts also are available. For a price quote, forward a copy of your contract to Mr. Stern.)
For more information, contact Mr. Stern at (512) 469-9006 or michaelzsternjdcpa[at]gmail[dot]com, or the TMA Knowledge Center at (800) 880-7955 or knowledge[at]texmed[dot]org.
In addition, check out TMA Contract Clause of the Month articles.
NOTICE: This information is provided as a commentary on legal issues and is not intended to provide advice on any specific legal matter. This information should NOT be considered legal advice and receipt of it does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is not a substitute for the advice of your own attorney. The Office of the General Counsel of the Texas Medical Association provides this information with the express understanding that (1) no attorney-client relationship exists, (2) neither TMA nor its attorneys are engaged in providing legal advice, and (3) the information is of a general character. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated, and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. You should not rely on this information when dealing with personal legal matters; rather legal advice from retained legal counsel should be sought. Any legal forms are only provided for the use of physicians in consultation with their attorneys.
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