Just ask detailed questions about the full scope of services before you sign any agreement so you know what is included and what costs you may face later.
You should compare at least three relocation firms and request itemized quotes, written timelines, and references from other physicians who recently moved with their help.
You must verify company credentials, insurance coverage for loss or damage, and clear procedures for disputes or delays; this protects your personal and professional assets during the move.
You will prepare a prioritized list of needs that covers licensing and credentialing, clinic or hospital onboarding, housing preferences, school options if you have children, and spouse or partner employment support.
You should coordinate licensing and credentialing early, submitting applications and primary source verifications as soon as possible to reduce clinic start delays and avoid patient-care gaps.
You can negotiate relocation terms in your employment contract, asking for specific allowances for moving costs, temporary housing, tax assistance for relocation reimbursements, and a clear reimbursement process for receipts and invoices.
You must plan the physical move with a detailed inventory, a designated packing timeline, and insurance coverage for high-value medical equipment or personal items that require special handling.
You should arrange temporary housing near your new workplace for at least two weeks to give yourself time to finalize permanent housing, register vehicles, and complete local orientation tasks without pressure.
You will coordinate IT and clinical systems ahead of arrival by confirming EMR access, secure VPN connections, phone system setup, and any lab or imaging integrations needed for your practice to run on day one.
You can engage local professional groups and hospital liaisons to speed community integration and referral-building; attending key meetings and introductions in the first 60 days helps establish visibility.
You should keep a relocation binder or secure digital folder with all contracts, receipts, licensing documents, credentialing confirmations, and a post-move checklist that includes utilities, voter registration, and insurance updates.
You will schedule a follow-up review with the relocation provider and your employer 30 to 90 days after the move to confirm reimbursements, resolve outstanding items, and document lessons that improve any future relocation effort.
