There is reportedly a move afoot to have doctors send letters of Termination Without Cause to OCA.   I'm not familiar with the contracts, which differ from the boilerplate contract offered to prospective affiliates depending on what was negotiated prior to signing. But as I understand things, most contain terms which have stiff penalties if a doctor tries to terminate shortly after inception. After a few years and depreciation of the purchase price though, the doctor may be able to invoke the termination clause without having to re-pay OCA.  The only major problem then becomes the covenant not to compete, and a suitable location to practice which isn't owned by OCA.

 

Covenants not to compete are becoming harder and harder to enforce.  Most courts reportedly are hesitant to deny patients acccess to a treating doctor because an unlicensed corporation (in this OCA) tries to stand in the way. 

 

If a significant number of the affiliates is actively trying to leave, and the chances of their doing so look good, I'd think lenders would avoid putting any more money at risk than they already have on the table?  I'd also think they'd try to pull back what financing they do have in place?  No money would seem to me to spell doom for OCA?

 

But that's just my own, personal opinion.  For legal advice, contact a licensed attorney. For those of you already represented by counsel, ask your attorney to talk with others representing OCA docs to explore the advantages and disadvantages of sending letters of termination.