Frequently Asked Questions

 

There are many questions our clients ask regarding Locum Tenens that we felt would be beneficial to include on our website.

What is locum tenens?

A locum tenens physician is one who temporarily fills in for another physician during vacations, medical leaves, conferences or emergencies, or when a medical facility has another coverage need.

Are there locums-to-perm opportunities?

Yes, we can present you to an assignment with a permanent placement need. This arrangement lets you familiarize yourself with the practice and determine whether it’s a good fit.

What benefits are there to working a locum tenens assignment from the perspective of a healthcare provider?

Locum tenens can be a life choice, a temporary choice, or a chance to supplement your current income. Locum tenens providers can pick their own work schedule, and also where they work. For some providers, this is a quality of life choice. Other providers may be looking to make a permanent career change or move. For these providers, locum tenens creates an opportunity to work in different geographic locations or different facilities and assess their preferences before committing long–term to a move or another type of career change. Some providers are able to manage their permanent work schedules in a manner in which they are available to work locums one week per month. This allows these providers to earn extra fees for services without impacting their full-time jobs or practice. Locum tenens also allows providers an opportunity to maintain current status on their licenses and credentials. Depending upon your situation, the benefits of locum tenens apply to both physicians and mid-levels.

Who pays for medical malpractice insurance, travel, lodging, credentialing, etc.?

NOT YOU! Regardless of the expense, all of this is taken care of for you. No one wants a surprise when it comes to expenses. Our staffing professionals at Locum Tenens USA will cover every aspect of the assignment with you and make sure you understand how everything is being handled. Whether expenses will be handled through a reimbursement or paid directly, Locum Tenens USA wants to make sure that each assignment is a pleasant experience, so we make sure any surprises are good ones. If travel or special arrangements are necessary, all of those types of matters will be addressed up front.

Is Locum Tenens available to only experienced providers?

To the contrary, locum tenens offers something for providers with all levels of experience. For providers looking to work less or sell their practices or maybe contemplating retirement, locum tenens offers part-time or full-time work without the burden of managing or operating an entire practice and office. Depending upon your specialty, medical malpractice insurance could be a very significant expense. Locum tenens providers can practice in their specialties and the medical malpractice insurance is provided at no cost to the provider. Also providers can choose to work in other geographical areas and create a working vacation or get away. For inexperienced providers, locum tenens provides a means of getting a wide range of experience in a variety of settings enabling one to choose exactly where he/she would like to practice or if a career as a locum tenens provider is the best fit. Locum tenens providers are well-compensated so do not feel you are sacrificing income by choosing locum tenens.

Is there a minimum term I must work if I choose locum tenens?

Any provider can work as much or as little as they choose. All assignments vary so the secret is in choosing the best assignment to fit your needs and desires. LocumTenens USA is focused on putting you in the right assignment every time. Our staffing professionals will work to make sure your assignment matches your expectations.

What are some of the advantages of locum tenens vs. Permanent practice?

Locum tenens physicians enjoy higher compensation and don’t have to deal with malpractice insurance, overhead expenses and administrative hassles, which allows you to concentrate more on patient care. Locum tenens is also an opportunity to get paid while you are interviewing, which gives you the opportunity to explore different types of practices and locations.