All medical professionals, whether a doctor, dentist or chiropractor, should consider hiring an attorney. An attorney can assist you in starting your business, as well as, continuously advise you, concerning legal matters, while you are in practice.

Whether you are a physician, dentist or chiropractor, legal matters can arise. Having your own lawyer means that he is only a phone call away.

When you are ready to find an attorney, here are several things you need to remember.

Medical Offices should work with an actual attorney.

Although this may seem obvious, some individuals that implement legal planning are not actually attorneys. Although planners are capable of providing some basic legal instruments, the relationship is unprotected. There is no attorney-client privilege. This means, that a subpoena could expose communications, such as, e-mails and work product.

Another issue is that when you rely on an individual, as opposed to an attorney, for advice, you are fully liable for whatever actions he takes on your behalf. These individuals are not usually subject to any professional liability. By checking the bar association website, you can ensure that the lawyer you hire is in good standing.

Medical practices should not simply hire the least expensive lawyer.

You need to know what the fees include for each lawyer you visit. In many cases, hiring an experienced attorney, who is knowledgeable in issues related to the medical field, will be much more efficient. This is true even if he bills more hourly. Experienced professionals are familiar with the law as it relates to your field.

Remember to ask specific questions.

For the most part, attorneys can list nearly any practice area they wish. This is why asking specific questions is pertinent to ensure the lawyer you hire is experienced in the legal aspects, as related to, the medical field.

Ask the following questions:

How many medical practices or physicians have they done this particular kind of work for?

Is there practice concentrated in a particular area of the law in relation to medical practices? 

Is the firm more comfortable working with a particular size of practice? 

Some things you may want to discuss include privacy issues, liability, billing practices, HIPAA and records.

Ryan C. Young | Business Attorney | Richmond, Virginia