10 GP Contract items Doctors should consider before signing

When you’re a contractor, you can be registered as a Company or an Individual.

Speak to your Accountant or legal advisor to work out the best option for you.

However, our message here is that, whatever you are, ensure the contract reflects these details accurately with your correct ABN number, TFN number and so on.

What physical locations are listed on your contract?

Some networks may have one clinic and others may have multiple medical centres. So, when looking through the contract, check which locations are listed and if you have agreed to this.

Contracts always stipulate the duration of the contract, detailing how long the term of the agreement extends. So, always check that the time frames suit you and what terms there are for shortening and/or extending this, should you wish to in the future.

What about the hours you will be working?

This is very important! Get clarification upfront about what the expectations are for the number of hours you will be required to practice at the clinic.

Are they listed as weekly, fortnightly, in total or do they specify your start and end times?

This will determine how flexible your session requirements are for practising medicine – so get this correct from the start.

Sometimes, a GP Contract may specify how many patients you need to see per day or per hour.

Ask yourself if this is something you wish to be bound by and if the number is realistic.

If you are a new GP to the area or the clinic, then it will take time to get well-known in the local community and build a patient base.

Does the agreement provide you with an upfront payment, do you have an initial guarantee of income during the first period, or are you being promised an initial patient volume from the start?

This will affect your income generation, so it’s important to discuss this.

Everyone needs time off!

So, what leave and time away options are included in your contract? Are they sufficient?

Are you sharing a consult room in the Medical Centre or do you have one to yourself?

Some clinics have rotating rooms where all doctors use whichever rooms are available on the day, while others have dedicated rooms for each GP.

It’s worth finding out which option this contract specifies and whether you are permitted to personalise the room to make it feel more comfortable.

It’s best to check if there are any restrictions placed upon you in the contract, and if they are acceptable to you.

These can include restraints after the contract concludes or Exclusive Distribution (ED) clauses.

If you are unsure, seek legal advice.

Just check how much notice you are required should you need to make changes due to your circumstances, including if you need to end the agreement prematurely.

This is just so you are fully aware of what’s required of you.

As a GP, it’s important to be fully aware of the conditions of your GP contract before you sign. Just remember, the above items are just provided as very general information about the things you may wish to consider when looking at a new GP position.

It doesn’t take into account your own specific or personal circumstances. As always, you should consider professional advice if you’re unsure and don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions.