Definitions, statistics, benefits, and more about locum tenens

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one term that has gained significant traction in recent years is “locum tenens.” This Latin phrase, meaning “to hold the place of,” has become a cornerstone in addressing staffing challenges and offering flexible work opportunities for healthcare professionals. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of locum tenens, exploring its history, mechanics, benefits, and growing demand in the medical field.

What Are Locum Tenens? A Short History

Locum tenens refers to the practice of healthcare professionals temporarily filling positions at hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. This concept isn’t new; it has roots dating back to the 1970s.

The origin of locum tenens in the United States can be traced to 1979 when the University of Utah received a federal grant to provide physician staffing to rural health clinics in medically underserved areas of the American West. This program aimed to address the severe shortage of physicians in remote locations.

As the idea gained traction, the first locum tenens staffing agency was established in 1979. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the concept expanded beyond rural areas, becoming a viable staffing solution for healthcare facilities of all sizes across the country.

Today, locum tenens has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with thousands of healthcare professionals choosing this work style annually.

Some Basic Facts About Locum Tenens

1. Diverse Specialties: Locum tenens opportunities are available across various medical specialties, including primary care, emergency medicine, psychiatry, anesthesiology, and many others.
2. Duration Flexibility: Assignments can range from a few days to several months or even a year, depending on the facility’s needs and the healthcare professional’s preferences.
3. Geographic Diversity: Locum tenens professionals can work in various settings, from rural clinics to urban hospitals, across different states or even internationally.
4. Growing Industry: The locum tenens industry has been steadily growing. According to a 2019 survey by Staff Care, an AMN Healthcare company, about 52,000 physicians worked locum tenens assignments, making up approximately 6% of practicing physicians in the US.
5. Increasing Popularity: A 2017 survey by The Physicians Foundation found that 11.5% of physicians were considering locum tenens work in the next one to three years.

How Locum Tenens Jobs Work

The process of securing and working locum tenens positions typically involves the following steps:

1. Registration with Staffing Agency: Healthcare professionals register with one or more locum tenens staffing agencies, providing their credentials, work history, and preferences.
2. Job Matching: The agency matches the healthcare professional’s skills and preferences with available positions at various facilities.
3. Credentialing and Privileging: Once a match is found, the agency assists with the credentialing process, which involves verifying the professional’s qualifications, licenses, and references.
4. Contract Negotiation: The agency negotiates the terms of the assignment, including pay rate, duration, and any additional benefits or expenses.
5. Travel and Accommodation: For assignments requiring relocation, the agency often arranges and covers travel and housing expenses.
6. On-site Work: The healthcare professional reports to the assigned facility and performs their duties for the agreed-upon duration.
7. Completion and Feedback: After the assignment, both the healthcare professional and the facility provide feedback to the agency.

The Perks of Working Locum Tenens

Locum tenens work offers numerous advantages for healthcare professionals:

1. Flexibility: Professionals can choose when and where they work, allowing for better work-life balance.
2. Higher Pay Rates: Locum tenens positions often offer higher hourly rates compared to permanent positions.
3. Travel Opportunities: Assignments in different locations allow professionals to explore new areas while working.
4. Diverse Experience: Working in various settings enhances skills and broadens professional experience.
5. Avoid Burnout: The ability to take breaks between assignments can help prevent burnout.
6. Test Different Practice Settings: Locum tenens work allows professionals to experience different types of practices before committing to a permanent position.
7. Supplemental Income: Many healthcare professionals use locum tenens work to supplement their income from a primary job.
8. Reduced Administrative Burden: Locum tenens workers often have fewer administrative responsibilities compared to permanent staff.
9. Professional Network Expansion: Working in different facilities helps build a broader professional network.
10. Malpractice Insurance Coverage: Most locum tenens agencies provide malpractice insurance coverage for their contractors.

Are Locum Tenens Jobs in Demand?

The demand for locum tenens professionals has been steadily increasing over the years, driven by several factors:

1. Physician Shortage: The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians by 2033, increasing the need for flexible staffing solutions.
2. Aging Population: As the U.S. population ages, the demand for healthcare services is rising, putting pressure on healthcare facilities to maintain adequate staffing levels.
3. Burnout Among Healthcare Professionals: A 2021 Medscape survey found that 42% of physicians reported feeling burnout, leading many to seek more flexible work arrangements like locum tenens.
4. Rural Healthcare Needs: Many rural areas struggle to attract permanent healthcare professionals, making locum tenens a crucial solution for providing care in these underserved areas.
5. Seasonal Demand: Some healthcare facilities experience seasonal fluctuations in patient volume, necessitating temporary staff to manage peak periods.
6. COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of flexible staffing solutions in healthcare, potentially increasing the demand for locum tenens professionals.

According to a 2021 survey by AMN Healthcare, 85% of healthcare facilities reported using locum tenens providers in the previous year, with 52% saying they were currently seeking locum tenens professionals.

Why Do Facilities Want Locum Tenens?

Healthcare facilities utilize locum tenens professionals for various reasons:

1. Fill Staffing Gaps: Locum tenens providers can quickly fill vacancies due to maternity leave, sabbaticals, or unexpected departures.
2. Maintain Patient Care Quality: By bringing in qualified professionals, facilities can maintain high standards of patient care during staffing shortages.
3. Reduce Burnout Among Permanent Staff: Locum tenens professionals can alleviate the workload of permanent staff, reducing the risk of burnout.
4. Cost-Effective Staffing: While hourly rates for locum tenens may be higher, facilities save on benefits, training, and long-term commitment costs.
5. Trial Periods for Potential Hires: Facilities can use locum tenens assignments as extended job interviews for potential permanent hires.
6. Flexibility in Staffing Levels: Locum tenens allow facilities to adjust staffing levels based on patient volume fluctuations.
7. Specialized Expertise: Facilities can bring in specialists for short-term needs without committing to a full-time hire.
8. Reduced Recruitment Time and Costs: Locum tenens agencies handle much of the recruitment process, saving time and resources for healthcare facilities.
9. Coverage During Credentialing: Locum tenens can provide coverage while newly hired permanent staff complete the credentialing process.
10. Meeting Regulatory Requirements: In some cases, locum tenens professionals help facilities meet staffing ratios required by regulatory bodies.

In conclusion, locum tenens has become an integral part of the healthcare staffing landscape, offering benefits to both healthcare professionals and facilities. As the healthcare industry continues to face challenges such as physician shortages and increasing demand for services, the role of locum tenens is likely to grow even further. This flexible staffing solution not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to the overall resilience and adaptability of the healthcare system.

For healthcare professionals considering locum tenens work, it offers a unique opportunity to gain diverse experience, enjoy flexibility, and potentially earn higher incomes. For healthcare facilities, it provides a valuable tool for maintaining quality patient care while managing staffing challenges. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, locum tenens will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of medical staffing and healthcare delivery.