According to Richard C. Koval, M.P.A., CMPE, vice president of practice management services for the BSM Consulting Group in Incline Village, Nev., a practice can avoid failure when hiring a new associate by:

• effectively planning for the new associate
• providing the associate with an accurate assessment of the opportunities within the practice
• setting realistic expectations
• selecting candidates wisely
• accepting a collegial relationship
• being willing to compromise
• supporting the new associate with patient referrals, staff resources and positive feedback
• nurturing the new associate through regular performance reviews and shared decision making responsibilities
• communicating with your new associate in a timely and honest manner.