Negotiating a sound physician office lease.

Physician group practices that lease office space should consider several issues before signing a lease. These issues include whether to hire a broker to assist in the search for office space, negotiating lease provisions that pertain to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; confidentiality of patient records; proper disposal of medical waste and other hazardous materials; compliance with occupational safety standards; quiet enjoyment; and utility use. In addition, physician group practices that lease office space from other healthcare providers must ensure that the lease terms conform with antifraud and abuse safe harbor regulations.