Red Flags Before You Sign
- No written scope of work: if a provider quotes verbally but won't document the disinfection protocol, there's no accountability. Walk away.
- Can't speak to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen training: if a sales rep can't answer basic questions about crew training on bloodborne pathogen exposure, the crew likely isn't trained for clinical spaces.
- Vague about disinfectant products: a provider who can't name the EPA-registered products they use, or explain dwell time, is likely applying general-office cleaning to a clinical space.
- No proof of insurance readily available: any legitimate provider should produce a current certificate of insurance within 24 hours.
- High-pressure sales tactics: urgency tactics are a sales technique, not an indicator of a reputable provider.
- No references from other medical practices: ask specifically for references from medical or dental clients, not general commercial accounts.
Red Flags During the Relationship
- Constant staff turnover: a different crew every few weeks means no consistency in your facility's specific protocol.
- Skipped disinfection tasks: if exam room or waiting room disinfection is regularly incomplete, document it and raise it formally — this is a compliance issue, not just a quality one.
- Reluctance to walk the space with you: a transparent provider welcomes periodic walkthroughs to review protocol together.
- Surprise charges on invoices: additions not agreed to in writing signal billing practices that will escalate.
Start with a provider that answers these questions clearly from the first call — request a written quote.