Top Ten Things to Remember When Transitioning to a New Practice

Joining a new practice is an exciting time. Here is a checklist to allow for a smooth transition to your new position.

1. Forward important emails and contacts to your new work email or personal email address. This can include referring doctors and pharmaceutical contacts (sales representatives, medical science liaisons). Set up an automatic response message stating you are no longer at your previous practice if needed.
    
2. Update your contact information at organizations, medical societies, and board certifications (such as ABPN, UCNS).
    
3. Update your contact information for state licenses and DEA registration.
    
4. Bring a copy of your EHR templates, authorization or appeal letters, ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes, and order sets to use with the EHR of your new practice.
    
5. Catalogue any supplies needed for the new practice (syringe sizes, needle gauges, any specific medications and dosages for in-office procedures).
    
6. Check with your prior institution about the expiration of benefits: use up any CME funds (renew memberships, licenses, board certifications, conference reimbursement), commuter benefits, Health Savings Account (HSA) funds, or vacation days. Check with human resources for the end date of your health insurance (you may need to use Continuation of Health Care  Coverage (COBRA insurance) if taking time off before starting at the new practice - you have 60 days from the date your coverage ends to enroll in COBRA insurance).
    
7. Claim any out-standing CME certifications (conferences or grand rounds). Bring a copy of your CME certifications.
    
8. Clarify if tail coverage is provided in the malpractice insurance from your prior employer. If not, ensure you have appropriate tail or occurrences coverage to protect against litigation after you leave your prior employer. Bring a copy of your malpractice insurance policy, and obtain your claim history from your previous practice.
    
9. Notify your patients (if your noncompete clause allows this) and referring doctors of your new location and start date. Be cognizant of non-solicitation clauses that may preclude employees from joining you in a new practice.
    
10. Announce your new location through marketing platforms (webpage, social media, local networks or groups).