Sherri Carlton, CTS-PRC
|
The locum tenens industry, estimated to be over $1.2 billion, offers temporary opportunities for medical professionals across
the country and worldwide. Professionally, you and other physicians and non-physician providers have the chance to make important
career choices-from selecting a staffing firm to choosing locations, practice settings, and lengths of contracts. On a personal
level, you can determine where, when, and with whom you want to practice, selecting a variety of interesting locales at a
time that suits your schedule.
SELECTING A STAFFING FIRM
Finding a staffing agency that is a good match can seem like quite a challenge. There are estimated to be over 100 locum tenens
agencies nationwide ranging from small "mom and pop shops" to industry leaders that have hundreds of employees. Some cover
only a few medical specialties in a select region of the country, others place all specialties and offer a range of contracts
in a variety of locations, and many reputable staffing firms fall between the two groups.
Questions to ask
|
Most locum tenens companies maintain high industry standards and belong to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations,
often referred to as NALTO. Serving to educate the healthcare community on the benefits of locum tenens staffing, NALTO acts
as a support system for its diverse association. Members follow specified industry standards and practices and agree to work
together if a dispute arises.
No matter which agencies you select, take the time to talk to representatives of several firms and investigate companies'
practices. For example, find out what specialties are covered through the agency. What locations and lengths of contracts
are offered? How about malpractice insurance? How often will you be paid? Will you be assigned one staffing representative
to handle your account or must you speak with different people each time you call? Will this individual help you with credentialing
and hospital privileging? What about an in-house travel department that will take care of all the details so you can simply
practice medicine?
Evaluate the companies
|
Once you have contacted representatives, take time to evaluate their responses. Do you feel they are knowledgeable about your
specialty and the opportunities their firm represents? Are you comfortable dealing with them? Do they seem ethical and accessible?
Does the company offer competitive rates? Whether you are considering full-or part-time locum tenens practice, or thinking
about registering with one or more companies, be proactive. Ask these and other questions to determine the best agency or
agencies that will fit your personal and professional needs.
WHAT COMPANIES EXPECT
As with any relationship, the freedom to choose is a two-way street. Since many locum tenens agencies follow the Joint Commission
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the National Commission on Quality Assurance (NCQA) guidelines, acceptance
as a locum tenens candidate will often depend on whether you can meet their standards.
Once you have chosen an agency, you will be asked to fill out an application and supply verification documentation for education
and training, work experience, and licensure. Most companies require that you submit a current CV with an explanation of gaps
in your record, professional references, a complete history of malpractice claims, a copy of DEA certificate, a valid state
license, and a state controlled substance document, if applicable. You should also be in good standing with the American Medical
Association (AMA) and have a clean record on the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
