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Finding a new associate position can be a daunting process for both new and experienced optometrists. While making a good impression on an interview is important, it is equally important to learn as much as possible about the practice. Here is a compilation of questions from job seekers who I have worked with over the years. I hope that this list will make the decision process less intimidating.

Relationship

• Employee or Independent Contractor?
• Employee at will?
• Is the doctor open to restrictive covenant in case of future ownership?
• Is the doctor open to a transition period, if needed? (After purchase)

Type of Practice

• What type of practice is it (full scope, pediatric, etc.)?
• Age of the practice?
• When/what do you refer out?
• How many treatment lanes?
• How many opticians?
• How many technicians?
• How much is the practice overhead?
• How long has each employee been there?
• What does the practice do to market itself?
• How many FT and PT staff?

Patients

• What is the patient pool like?
• Have the number of active patient records been reviewed?
• Is the practice growing or declining in number of patients seen, new patients attracted, and young patients?
• Average number of cancellations per week?
• Average number of patients seen by associate per day?
• How far ahead is the doctor book filled?
• How far ahead is the associate book filled?
• Discounts/Bartering/payment plans?
• PPO type of insurance? Insurances: accept all kinds or just selected ones?
• How much is the discounted price of the PPO compared to the fee schedule?
• Medicare or Medicaid acceptance?
• What percent is FFS, cash and discounted PPO?
• When was the last fee increase?
• Are the fees low, high or average for the immediate area?
• Do you offer patients credit?

Schedule

• Days, hours, on call, etc.
• How many office hours and days per week is the office open?

Duties

• Job description (separate document) or general description
• Is the doctor responsible for pre-testing?
• What were the most of the cases being done by the associate?

Facilities

• Supplies, equipment, support, etc.?
• Is the practice EMR compliant? If so, what system is being used?
• What is the square footage of the office? Can it be expanded?
• Average age of equipment?
• Do you have a confirmation system for appointments?
• How do you deal with NO Show?

Term of contract

• How long?
• What is the required notice period should either party wish to terminate the relationship?

Compensation

• Is there a guaranteed salary, draw, daily rate or hourly rate?
• Is commission determined from collections or production?
• If collections, what is the collections rate in the practice?
• What percentage of production/collections is used to calculate income?
• Is there a chance to increase compensation in the future?
• Taxes withheld?
• How will the associate be paid? (Weekly/bi-weekly/monthly)
• How much on average was the last associate making?
• What was the average associate production per day?
• Can I get a fee schedule of the practice?

Benefits

• Medical Insurance: health and dental?
• Malpractice insurance?
• Disabilities insurance?
• Required CE courses? How much and for how many hours a year? Are they paid for/reimbursed? Is there a stipend?
• Retirement?
• Sick days # allow per yr.
• Personal days/vacations # per yr. allow
• Holidays?
• What benefits are given to the staff?

Expenses

• Define, list, when paid, etc.
• Will the practice support the acquisition loan (in case of future ownership), pay the overhead expenses and afford a reasonable income?

Other Questions and Notes

• What is your practice Philosophy and Goals? For the Practice and with new patients?
• Have you had associate before? How many? How long did they stay? What was the reason for the associate resignation?
• How do you advertise?
• Who determines how long I have to spend with new patients/initial exam and record?
• Is there a particular doctor in the area who is your main competitor?
• Who sees the patient first (technician or optometrist)?
• Why was the partnership offer turned down by an associate (if applicable)?
• Will I be able to visit the office during regular working hours?

Partnership/Buy-in/Sale

• Discussion/Formula/Price
• What will be the time frame for an associate position before we can talk about partnership/buy-in/buy-out?
• Is there an option for future ownership? Are you considering a move out of state?

Restrictive Covenant

• Define