Navigating the complexities of a locum tenens assignment on your own can be daunting. By letting an agency handle the paperwork, negotiations, and logistics, you can spend time focusing on more important things — like caring for patients and being with your family and friends. Here are 7 benefits you'll get when you partner with a locum tenens agency instead of doing it alone when working locum tenens.
1. Inside scoop on jobs
“If you're a resident or doctor interested in locum tenens positions but aren't aware of open opportunities, it's essential to connect with a locum tenens company or someone who can help you navigate the job market,” says Dr. Hania Kahlon, a family medicine physician.
Large agencies tend to have established relationships with healthcare facilities nationwide (and sometimes internationally). They often know about jobs that may not be posted anywhere — which means they have access to a wider range of locum tenens opportunities than you could find on your own. This means instead of calling around to different facilities, the agency will do the searching for you.
Recruiters can match you with assignments that align with your specialization, location preferences, and desired schedule, giving you more control over your career and better work/life balance.
Get expert advice: How to find the right locums recruiter
2. Less admin, paperwork, and overhead
Dr. Andrew Wilner, a neurologist who has frequently worked locums, believes that “administrative hurdles constitute one of the most frustrating obstacles for locum tenens work” — but an agency can make it easier.
This is yet another perk of securing locum tenens positions through an agency, as they take care of all the details — like credentialing, licensing, and other approvals — on your behalf.
Nurse practitioner Sophia Khawly says, “I love when agencies offer proactive licensing. This means they assist and pay for state licenses before I even accept a job with them in that state. This will increase the possibilities of finding my next assignment because most sites want you to already be licensed there before they sign you on.”
This approach saves you valuable time and energy, allowing you to focus your efforts on patient care instead of paperwork.
3. Travel booked and paid for by the agency
Another benefit of working with an agency is that they handle all travel reservations, including flights, rental cars, and lodging.
“They find flights, pay for hotels, and ultimately take care of you,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Kusnezov of his locum tenens support team. “They’re very attentive to my travel needs.”
With an agency, you won’t have to deal with (or pay for) travel logistics on your own. The company’s travel department will book these logistics, leaving you one less thing to think about — not to mention fewer expenses.
Hit the road: The ultimate guide to locum tenens travel
4. Fair and reliable compensation
While bigger agencies may not always have the highest rates, they do often have better support and pay quickly and on time. Locum tenens physician Dr. Marye McCroskey says, “Usually, a larger agency is a well-oiled machine. You are paid promptly, sometimes weekly.”
Agencies also have experience negotiating contracts and can advocate on your behalf to secure competitive pay, whereas finding locum tenens jobs independently requires negotiating terms and rates directly with healthcare facilities. What’s more, agencies’ deep understanding of market rates can ensure you're compensated fairly for your skills and experience.
And if you’re an NP or PA, you can take advantage of other benefits, too. Khawly says that some agencies offer advanced practice providers the option of becoming a W-2 employee. That means that benefits like health insurance, 401(k) contributions, and Continuing Education Unit (CEU) reimbursements are included in the overall compensation package.
5. Included malpractice coverage
Without an agency, you’ll have to provide your own malpractice insurance, which can be quite expensive. Locums agencies tend to provide malpractice coverage to its providers as part of the locums agreement.
For instance, agencies Weatherby Healthcare and CompHealth both provide malpractice coverage for locum tenens workers, including claims-made and tail coverage with $1M/$3M limits. These insurance policies cover legal fees and potential settlements or judgments and protect your personal assets.
6. Ongoing support during and after assignments
Agencies provide a range of support services to make your locum tenens experience smooth and hassle-free. These services may include 24/7 support from experienced account managers, housing assistance, and guidance on tax implications and other financial matters.
“When you work with a big company like Weatherby, there are a lot of personal benefits,” says Dr. Jim Mock, an emergency medicine physician. “At the end of the year, when it becomes tax time, I only have one source of revenue, so all of my tax reporting is very streamlined.”
Khawly further recommends finding an agency that has your back. “My favorite agencies are the ones that prioritize the locum tenens provider. For instance, if there is a conflict between the site and the clinician, the winning agency is the one that sticks up for the clinician.”
7. More peace of mind
By handling all of the details, agencies allow you to prioritize what you do best: practicing medicine. You'll have a dedicated point of contact to answer questions, address concerns, and provide support throughout your assignment.
When reflecting on his locum tenens assignment through Weatherby Healthcare, Chicago-based physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Edward Babigumira shares, “Weatherby has a really good team. Everything works so smoothly. I’ve never had an issue. The preparation is always good — no surprises. It is a really strong team.”
In short: Working with a locum tenens agency can make your experience working locums better than if you were to do it on your own, especially when you are just starting out.