Transitioning into telemedicine is not as easy as it may appear. There is the need for multiple state licenses and being able to navigate electronic medical records well. It requires a level of autonomy and customer service. Fortunately, working in locum tenens can prepare you for telemedicine.
Why telemedicine companies prefer providers with five or more licenses
Most telemedicine companies want clinicians to be licensed in at least five different states. Seasoned locum tenens clinicians easily have five or more state licenses. This makes locum tenens professionals attractive to telemedicine companies, because there is no delay in licensure and no added expenses. The more state licenses a provider has, the more patients they are able to see via telemedicine. This increases the bottom line for telemedicine employers.
How locum tenens teaches efficiency and high‑volume patient care
Having multiple state licenses similarly benefits clinicians. This is because some telemedicine companies pay providers per visit. The more licenses a provider has, the busier they are, and the more patients they are able to see per hour. This model of pay can easily surpass a set hourly rate. Not to mention that locums teaches you a level of efficiency that can allow you to see a high volume of patients.
Why tech‑savvy locums thrive in telemedicine environments
Working in locum tenens, providers have to learn multiple electronic healthcare record (EHR) systems. Initially, it may appear daunting, but after working with three or more different systems, they all start to look the same. It becomes easier and easier to learn new systems. Locum tenens professionals are also accustomed to limited training and orientations.
Working in telemedicine, there is not much training on the electronic platform used. As a result, being computer savvy allows clinicians to be successful practicing in this format. It is common for new employees in the telemedicine realm, to quit after only a few days or weeks due to technological barriers. Having well-rounded experience in technology as a locums can help prevent such frustrations.
Locum tenens NPs are highly adaptable
Locum tenens clinicians are highly adaptable, often switching between clinic workflows, EHRs, and organizational protocols. Likewise, telemedicine requires adapting quickly, between digital workflows and multiple platforms. Telemedicine companies rarely offer only one type of service. Providers have to learn and navigate between the many services offered. This makes locums providers ideal candidates for telemedicine roles.
Learn from the locum tenens expert: Everything NPs need to know about locums
Autonomy and clinical decision-making in virtual care
Locum NPs are accustomed to working autonomously and being experts in our field. This comes in handy during telemedicine practice because you will be working remotely and there is not much support. There are guidelines you can refer to, but there isn’t typically a colleague you can discuss cases with. There may be access to provider feedback, but patients are expecting prompt care and there is not much time to get another provider’s opinion prior to completing the visit.
Additionally, with limited physical exams via telemedicine, providers are relying on their knowledge and experience for clinical decision-making. Locum providers are self-sufficient and develop strong diagnostic reasoning that translates well into virtual care. As they are habitually meeting new patients and staff, they learn how to establish trust quickly and communicate effectively. This reflects well, even through a screen.
Want to learn more about locums? Read our locum tenens 101 guide for NPs
Locum tenens as a pathway to telemedicine success
Not only is locum tenens a fun, rewarding, and high-paying career; it can help clinicians transition into successful telemedicine practice. Nurse practitioners may want to consider picking up a locum tenens assignment in telemedicine to try it out. You never know, you may want to eventually transition into a part-time or full-time telemedicine career.