Launching Your Locum Tenens Career? Ask These Three Questions to Find the Right Agency
Lao Tzu said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The first step in your successful locum tenens journey begins by selecting the right locum tenens firm. It’s an important decision, which can (and often does) color your entire experience as a locum tenens physician. Go into the process armed with the information you need to select a qualified, experienced, and innovative locum tenens recruiter for your job search. Below are three essential questions to ask every prospective locum tenens agency before making your final decision.
Question #1: What is your expertise in my specialty and/or geographic area of interest?
What you want to do and where you want to do it are two of the most critical components of your job search, making it vital to work with a locum tenens firm that understands both your medical specialty, as well as the geographic location in which you’d like to practice. Many physicians realize too late into the search process that a firm focused on Primary Care may not have the locum tenens opportunities in Pulmonology you desire, or that firm headquartered in the West may not have the opportunities you want to pursue in Maine. Determining where they do their best work will help you decide if they are the right firm to help you do your best work.
Question #2: What is your process and timeline for paying physicians who work with your organization?
Every locum tenens firm manages their payment process differently. Some firms pay after they receive payment from the healthcare organization, which could be weeks after you worked your assignment. Some firms offer direct deposit, weekly, or bi-weekly pay. Know what to expect from each locum tenens agency before moving forward in the process so you can feel confident that their payment timeline works for you (as well as your own bill payment timeline).
Question #3: What is your malpractice insurance coverage for locum tenens physicians?
Typically, the locum tenens agency provides malpractice insurance to its physicians. The two types of coverage offered are Occurrence Form and Claims-Made. For more information on these two types of coverage, see our previous article here. Physicians generally agree that Occurrence Form is the preferred option of coverage.
Note: Always be wary of firms that attempt to cut costs in the malpractice area by offering professional liability insurance from insurance companies with significantly lowered policy rates and coverage.
Locum Tenens Recruiting Firms: Begin Your Search
Once you’re ready to launch your search for a locum tenens recruiter, start with screening 2-3 reputable firms, comparing them to determine which best fits your locum tenens and communication preferences. You may find that once you begin working, you enjoy working with one firm exclusively.
Note: If you do work with more than one firm, take careful notes to recall which firm has presented an opportunity to you. Most locum tenens opportunities are not exclusive to one agency, so it is important to honor the presentation from the initial firm.
Ready to begin your locum tenens journey? Locum Tenens Partners can help. Contact one of our experienced guides to get you started on the right path.
