-Although a large practice, it is difficult to have a sense of a local community as providers and administrative staff work independently and are located across many locations. Most providers do not come into the office. LS does not use phones but messaging through several platforms making it difficult to have a conversation with a colleague unless an appointment is scheduled in advance.
-Fee for service means if patients cancel I don't get paid my full fee and this quickly hurts my income.
-While it is possible to make a high salary (as LS advertises in its recruitments), to make top dollar means working more hours than I am reasonably able to in order to have work/life balance and prevent burnout. Thus, my actual pay is far less than advertised for a FT psychologist but this is the choice I make to stay healthy.
-The reimbursement rate for psychological services/portion paid to clinicians could be much higher than it is.
-Although some PTO is provided, the pay is far below what I would get on an average workday, making it difficult to afford to take time off. However, in a solo practice I would get nothing at all so this is better than getting paid nothing at all.
-Administrative time is unpaid although messaging patients through the portal, consulting with colleagues, making phone calls, writing letters and requested documents are required parts of the job. Occasional trainings such as HIPAA and technology based trainings are required but unpaid.
-I pay for my own internet and computer equipment when working from home. No reimbursement is provided for this or other expenses such as phone, toys and art materials for child/adolescent patients.
