@scarnhorst any tips for avoiding “predatory” FQHC jobs? I am looking at one and they claim it’s 15 per day but a fair amount of no shows so more like 10-12. I just don’t believe them though.
there are about 10-50% no shows depending on community , how long you have been there and other "providers" in your group
It is possible but do not base everything on this as wide fluctuations can happen
another doc can leave and they might not hire another one for yrs [you get all their patients and your numbers go upto 22 WITH noshows ]
scheduling policies change all the time and you as a doc usually HAVE zero input
tips to negotitate with FQHC
1- You hold all the cards and make sure they know it few docs want to work in fqhc you are a rare commodity , "carry a big stick and speak softly" as Teddy said.Get as much in writing in your contract things that are important to you.If you have no loan or visa requirements you really have nothing to fear
2-I live in a big city because of this , we have dozens of FQHCs and several large groups of them, if my present group gives me more trouble then its worth it then I will jump ship again so be prepared for that.Keep your options open, FQHCs might pretend they care about docs switching jobs but they all know it happens all the time.
3-They all claim to have such high standards of care and try to emulate private groups , they don't and they cannot for the most part.If some patients are well taken care of its because the individial "provider" was conscientious and knowledgeable. If there is a certain style of practice they like just be assertive and let them know right up front at the interview inc the clinic manager and nurse manager do not expect them to take the initiative, they are typically very resistant to change and staff has poor motivation to be creative [ ofcourse there are exceptions]
4- { From personal experience} ALWAY give resistance if they try to put too many NPs with you and I got it in my contract, or push you to see more patients.Just take your time with patients one time [yrs ago] patients waited 2 hrs to see me and starting leaving , clinic manager was livid my repsonse was simple "don't double book " it stopped within days.
low standards and thick skin will get you a long way, its not for everyone TWICE [ in 10 yrs] I have seen docs just quit without even the required 90 day notice [ don't do that but happens]
For me there are 2 major and dare I say only advnatages over traditional practice 1-FTCA malpractice 2- Guaranteed pay and No push [ and no incentive] to see more patients and low volume
if you are a go-getter [ and not a slacker in scrubs like me] its not for you,
