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While the COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc with the U.S healthcare system and physicians, the financial and contractual implications for physicians are now beginning to come to the forefront. Financial assistance from the federal government is mainly going to hospitals, which have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 illness. Some physician groups have or are receiving assistance through a few programs, although the accelerated and advance payments have been suspended. Employed surgeons are now being furloughed, terminated, or persuaded to agree to a significant cut in pay, forego bonuses or take leave without pay as healthcare systems and some physician groups start to feel the consequences of halting elective procedures. Newly hired surgeons may be forced in a few cases to agree to delays in starting their job, new amendments, changes in employment status and other terms for fear of losing their job. We explain some agreement terminology and options available to allow physicians to understand the terms of their employment agreement and make their decisions after consulting with an expert healthcare attorney.

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