When can I see patients independently?

[Leo Aquarius]

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What elements need to be in place before a resident can start having their own private patients? I'm thinking state licensure and malpractice insurance. Or is it necessary to complete all 4 years or residency?

Also, is there some implicit non-compete clause with patients you find at a university program who want to become your private patients? Is it ok to meet a patient at your university residency program and then see that patient privately based on their own request?

Thanks!

 

[michaelrack]

Or is it necessary to complete all 4 years or residency?

!

It is not necessary to complete residency, but there can be problems doing residency and private practice at the same time. In other words, getting a license (and malpractice) and quitting residency is fine, but you might get in trouble with your program if you do private practice during residency- check with your program.

 

[imp3tigo]

Or is it necessary to complete all 4 years or residency?

Why on Earth wouldn't you finish residency? Are you having problems in your program?

 

[notdeadyet]

Why on Earth wouldn't you finish residency? Are you having problems in your program?

My read was that Leo wanted to start seeing patients independently while completing his residency.

 

[Leo Aquarius]

I mean while completing residency. Goodness no, I wouldn't cut short my training at all. I'm at a great program. I'm trying to figure out what constitutes being prepared to see a patient independently, and if this can be done prior to finishing residency. (I do know of one resident who has started her own private practice).What's necessary in terms of credentials and permission?

I will definitely check with my program first.

 

[F0nzie]

It isn't cost effective to start seeing patients independently while you're a resident. You're better off moonlighting for $100/hour and letting the institution handle the overhead costs and malpractice insurance. Although independent malpractice in Psychiatry is one of the lowest of any specialty, even part-time rates will cost several thousand per year. Every year after that, your malpractice fees will rise significantly. Insurance panels will not accept you until you graduate and accepting cash only will not get you enough revenue to meet your overhead costs. Your best bet is to wait until you finish residency then take advantage of the new doctor discounts to start a real practice. There is no law preventing you from starting your own private practice while in residency if you have a medical license, however, since you are under contract as a resident you should run it by your PD or the residency committee first.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I mean while completing residency. Goodness no, I wouldn't cut short my training at all. I'm at a great program. I'm trying to figure out what constitutes being prepared to see a patient independently, and if this can be done prior to finishing residency. (I do know of one resident who has started her own private practice).What's necessary in terms of credentials and permission?

I will definitely check with my program first.

And don't forget that this counts as moonlighting, and therefore counts as Duty Hours which must be logged!

 

[daru1]

I've been wondering why people have been saying you can't get on insurance panels without finishing a residency. I have been in touch with a couple of insurance companies in my area about this and only one (of the 5) have a requirement that you complete a residency to get on their panel. The company in question actually required board certification -- not just eligibility. For the other 4 companies, they only required is an unrestricted license and malpractice insurance. To make this happen, all it takes is a little legwork to get this information. Granted, this might be based on geography as the people that I talked to had titles like 'Regional blah blah blah.' Get on the phone, make some calls, and make your practice.




Good luck!