Including Locum Tenens providers as part of your hiring model can deliver several vital benefits to both patients and other facility clinicians. Locum Tenens physicians undergo a rigorous screening process, hold the latest certifications, and have a proven track record of upholding the highest standards of patient care practices.
Additionally, an LT provider can serve as an invaluable resource for healthcare organizations struggling with clinician shortages and overworked internal staff members. The lack of qualified medical professionals, coupled with the rise in care needs across the country, has many practices and providers struggling to keep pace with patient needs. Adding even a single Locum Tenens doctor can redistribute a healthcare facility’s workload, helping to increase patient experience and results as well as reduce the very real threat of physician burnout.
Accelerate Onboarding for Your Locum Tenens Physician
An LT hiring model can optimize results on both the doctor and patient side of every facility engagement. However, it's still important for Locum Tenens clients to take the preliminary steps needed for a seamless transition during every assignment. Here are three ways to accelerate the onboarding process and help your contracted doctor hit the rounds running:
Consider the Paperwork
Paperwork is a necessary evil of the onboarding process. Each facility has its own requirements and process for credentialing. Start the process as soon as possible to make sure the credentialing process is completed in time for the physician’s first day. Work with your Locum Tenens recruiter to assist with the process. Getting other required paperwork (billing or employment documentations) done in advance immediately frees up more time for training and facility orientation on the first day of the contract.
Speaking of Orientation…
Taking the time to develop a thorough orientation schedule can accelerate the transition for your contracted physician. Your Locum Tenens provider should receive a tour of the building as well as an up-close glimpse at the specific areas he or she will access most often. Beyond the facility tour, you'll also want to review other components such as your organization's electronic healthcare records system, essential equipment and devices, and any specific documentation and coding protocol within the facility. Additionally, you should also plan for a meeting with other team members, as well as help the LT physician become familiar with where supplies are kept.
Get IT in the Loop
Not having access to all appropriate digital platforms on the first day can prove a major obstacle during the onboarding process. Work with your IT department before the official start date to determine all relevant systems and appropriate permissions the Locum Tenens provider should have. You will also want to decide if the incoming medical professional should have an email address.
Assign a Shadow Physician
There is definite value in walking Locum Tenens doctors around the facility and helping them get familiar with your organization's practices and protocols. However, it's also important during the transition period to allow them an opportunity to go through these processes themselves. If possible, assign your contracted provider with an onsite physician to shadow for training. Enlisting the assistance of a trusted member of your staff can present your new provider with invaluable insight on how your organization manages patient load and engages with the patients themselves. Even a single day with a colleague can help prepare your LT provider with everything he or she needs for optimized success throughout the assignment.
Contact LT Partners Today
As a leader in Locum Tenens placements, LT Partners aligns efforts with healthcare facilities across the country to drive engagement success across every contract. Contact us today to hear more.
