Date: 09/11/2000
Q:
I am a solo practitioner starting up a primary care
practice of my own and I am hoping to grow my practice by two or three physicians
over the next several years. I found an excellent candidate for the manager
position-college degree, extensive experience, dynamic personality, but his/her
salary requirements are higher than I expected. How do I know if he/she is worth
the extra expense?
A:
It may seem difficult to justify paying your manager a hefty salary while you are
still in a solo practice; but as your practice grows, you will need someone who
can evolve from a business office manager into a practice administrator. Paying
your manager an extra $5,000 - $7,000 per year may ensure that you have someone
willing to stick with you through the growing pains that your practice is sure to
endure. A little higher salary usually attracts administrators who are more
experienced and more career minded. The same rule applies for most of the
employees you will hire. The last thing you want is one of your employees
giving you two week’s notice to go across town for a $.45/hour raise. The peace
of mind you will receive from having a capable and dedicated staff is well worth
the extra expense.
For more specific salary figures, check out our
MMA Salary Survey and see what our clients are paying their employees.
John P. Stillerman
Associate
MMA does not provide
legal, accounting, or tax advice. If you need assistance in these
areas, we recommend that you consult a qualified professional. In
addition, please note that a client relationship with MMA is not established
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