The independent practitioner compliance crisis: navigating compliance and structure under new laws

Most medical practices today operate using some form of independent practitioner model. For many years, these arrangements have been seen as commercially efficient, flexible and relatively low risk.

However, practice owners are increasingly coming to us with the same question: “Are our agreements still compliant?” In many cases, the answer is no; not because the agreement structure was inappropriate, but because the devil lies in the detail of the specific terms and conditions of the agreement.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Where your practice may be losing value (and what to do about it)

You’re trained to identify clinical risks… but what about your practice risk?

Many practice owners assume their business is sound from a legal and commercial perspective. Agreements are in place, the structure has remained unchanged for years, and financial performance appears stable, and everything’s fine, right? What you might find, when examined more closely, a different picture can emerge.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Practice owners: 5 warning signs your Agreement with doctors needs updating

Medical practices commonly engage independent medical practitioners through service agreements, where doctors provide services to their patients and the practice supplies rooms, reception, billing infrastructure and administrative support. These structures are widely used across general practice and specialist settings.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Independent practitioner vs employee doctors: Risks and rewards for medical practices

As the landscape of medical practice management continues to evolve, practice owners and managers must navigate the complexities of staffing - one of the highest areas of cost and legal risk. Among the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to engage doctors as employees or independent practitioners. While the flexibility of independent practitioners may seem attractive, misclassifying staff can lead to significant legal, financial, and reputational consequences.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Engaging professionals in allied health clinics: what should you consider in 2026?

Across Australia, allied health clinics are expanding. Physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians and podiatrists are increasingly being integrated into general practice settings, multi-disciplinary clinics and specialist health hubs. For many clinic owners, whether operating one or multiple clinics, this expansion is deliberate and a strategic choice.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Engaging allied health professionals: Why “room rental” arrangements and subleases often miss the mark

Across General Practice, allied health and multi-disciplinary clinics, we are seeing a steady rise in the same enquiry.
A practice owner decides to engage a physiotherapist, psychologist, dietitian or speech pathologist.  A consulting room is available, the practitioner will pay a fee and they will operate as an independent practitioner.  On the surface, the arrangement appears simple.
Following this meeting of the minds, the question we receive typically reads something like this;

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Website Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policies for Medical Practices in 2026: A Legal Guide

In 2026, a medical practice’s website is no longer a passive source of information. It is a regulated digital environment that interacts with patients, collects sensitive health information, enables bookings and payments, and promotes regulated health services. Every one of those functions carries legal and professional risk.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Online Coaching vs Clinical Practice: The Legal Distinction That Protects You

Online coaching has rapidly become a core part of many health practitioners’ businesses Psychologists, nutritionists, dietitians, allied health professionals, fitness practitioners and wellness coaches are increasingly offering structured online programs, group coaching, and one-to-one guidance delivered through digital platforms. For many, online coaching provides flexibility and a way to support clients beyond traditional in-person services.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz
Social Media Guidelines for Medical Practices

In today’s digital world, social media is one of the first places people go to learn about healthcare providers, services and health information. For medical practices, this presents an exciting opportunity to connect with patients, educate the public and build your brand. However, it also comes with significant legal and professional risks if handled incorrectly.

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Sarah Bartholomeusz