Noncompete contract restricts rural patient access to physician care Artwork

Patients at Risk

Patients at Risk exposes the political maneuvering and corporate greed that has led to the replacement of physicians by lesser trained practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. As corporations seek to save money and government agencies aim to increase constituent access, minimum qualifications for our nation’s healthcare guardians continue to decline—with deadly consequences. This is a story that has not yet been told, and one that has dangerous repercussions for all Americans.

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Patients at Risk

Noncompete contract restricts rural patient access to physician care

September 04, 2023 • Rebekah Bernard MD and Niran Al-Agba MD • Season 1 • Episode 82

Jacqui O'Kane, DO was fulfilling the promise of Family Medicine, providing expert physician care to rural residents of Georgia. Burned out from overwork and support staff challenges, she decided to leave hospital employment. But instead of allowing her to open her own direct primary care practice, the hospital enforced a 50-mile radius noncompete contract, limiting patient access to care. Listen in on our discussion of noncompete contracts and why some physicians are leaving employed practice in favor of self-ownership.

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