IU Health Pioneers in Patient-Centered Care: Eliminating Noncompete Clauses for Primary Care Physicians

Indiana University Health is making a significant change by eliminating noncompete clauses for physicians practicing primary care. This decision, which goes beyond recent legislative requirements, showcases IU Health’s dedication to creating an environment of professional growth and patient-centered care.

During the 2023 session, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation prohibiting noncompete clauses in new contracts for primary care physicians. Although existing contracts are not mandated to be amended, IU Health has chosen to extend this benefit to physicians currently employed by the organization.

The move coincides with the start of new employment agreements for IU Health’s single medical group, the IU Health Medical Group. New employment agreements that remove noncompete clauses will be available on August 1, with an effective date of December 15.

Kevin Gebke, the senior vice president of Community Medicine at IU Health, emphasizes the commitment to primary care physicians and the patients they serve. Removing noncompete clauses for this group of physicians is seen as a way to enhance care delivery without barriers, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes in the communities served by IU Health.

In addition to primary care physicians, IU Health is also keeping an eye on noncompete clauses for other medical specialties. They plan to continue monitoring and evaluating this topic to determine its impact on IU Health’s mission to promote the health of Indiana residents and make the state one of the healthiest in the nation.