Page 24 of Reeves

"What about employment protections? If the company decides to terminate me after acquiring my practice?"

Henderson's smile doesn't waver. "As stated, we have the standard at-will employment in Mississippi, but we have an excellent retention rate for our clinical providers. Your patients love you. We aren't looking to replace you."

That's not an answer. "And the productivity benchmarks noted on page four require thirty-two billable sessions per week. Correct? What happens if I fall below that target?"

"Our regional managers work closely with providers who struggle to meet benchmarks. We provide administrative support to help optimize scheduling."

"The non-compete clause restricts me from practicing within seventy-five miles for two years if I leave. Is that negotiable?"

"That's our standard agreement across all our facilities." His fingers tap lightly on the table. "It protects our investment in the communities we serve. I don't believe there is any wiggle room there."

"The treatment protocols mentioned here…" I point to the section titled "MidSouth Model of Care." "Can you explain how that works with my existing treatment approaches?"

"Our clinical oversight committee reviews and approves treatment plans to ensure consistency across our network." Henderson leans forward. "Your expertise is valuable, but standardization helps us maintain quality."

I think about Emma, the baby with torticollis from yesterday, and how I adjusted her treatment when I noticed her sensitivity to touch.

Consistency across network doesn't account for nuance.

"And documentation requirements?"

"Our electronic system tracks all sessions, outcomes, and billable time. Reports are generated weekly for regional review."

Through the glass wall, assistants move efficiently between cubicles, everything orderly and contained.

"Any other questions, Ms. Parsons?" Henderson sits back, pen poised.

"I saw your email signature has a New Orleans address. Would you be the one handling Mississippi practices as well?"

"Yes. I'm the acquisitions partner for the entire Gulf region."

"That's a lot of practices."

He smiles but doesn't say anything more.

I close my folder. "I think I have what I need to consider the offer fully."

Henderson pulls out another sheet, sliding it across to me. "You might also be interested in our five-year expansion plan."

I glance at the map dotted with red pins across Mississippi and Louisiana.

"We're establishing regional centers of excellence," he says. "Each hub supports five to seven satellite clinics."

"And where would my practice fit?"

"Your location would become our coastal Mississippi hub. We've identified three potential satellite locations within thirty minutes of Bay St. Louis."

I watch his finger trace the map. My practice is already renamed:MidSouth Pediatric Partners - Bay St. Louis Center.

"All billing, scheduling, and marketing becomes centralized," he says. "Our system handles everything."

I smile politely. "That's certainly appealing. I appreciate you walking me through this."

Henderson stands and extends his hand. "Of course. Most providers find our resources transform their practice in ways they never imagined possible."

I'm sure they do.

We shake hands before he walks me toward the reception area, pointing out the sleek workstations and efficient layout.