In recent years, medical care in the United States has suffered from a shortage of specialists. According to American Medical News, some of the most acute demand is for psychiatrists (especially child psychiatrists), anesthesiologists, radiologists, cardiologists and pulmonologists. A recent survey found that 45 percent of U.S. hospitals have too few radiologists on staff. One solution for this problem that has recently been gaining increased acceptance is the use of "locum tenens," a 30-year-old system in which physicians are hired temporarily to work in a practice that is not their own (the original Latin meaning of locum tenens is "place holder"). Locum tenens doctors are also commonly hired as interim practitioners, with assignments ranging from weeks to years, at family or clinic practices in remote or underserved areas.
How "Locums" are Contracted
The doctors that serve as locum tenens are usually approached not by the hiring entity but by an outside party, a company that exists to place locums in assignments for clients. The locums company keeps up-to-date files on all of its physicians so as to most efficiently move doctors from one place to another. Each assignment has its own unique contract to be signed by the physician that reflects negotiations agreed and obligations to be met.
Compensation and Benefits
The locums company typically covers malpractice insurance, licensing assistance and travel in addition to the hourly rate agreed upon with the physician. While health and other benefits are normally part of the package, the doctor must ensure that these are indeed included in any given contract. Specific compensation rates depend on the specialty of the physician. An anesthesiologist or radiologist may make $1,500 per day while a family practitioner might receive only $400 (these are as much as 40 percent lower than the pay rate in an established practice). Locum companies also vary from one to another in their compensation rates. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, doctors need to be very careful in examining the conditions spelled out in contracts, because the locum companies can sometimes send them to an assignment that they will regret having accepted.
Advantages for the Doctor
According to American Medical News, locum tenens positions can present to the physician an assignment that is wonderfully free of concerns over payment approval, Medicare regulations, billing and other administrative burdens that a doctor usually faces. The limits of availability can be worked out in advance and the schedule may give more free time and allow for planned vacations to a greater degree than many doctors enjoy. The doctor's focus is on patients rather than paperwork.
A Good Option for Students
Residents and medical students can benefit from locum tenens work as it is gives them a chance to sample specialties and practices without yet being locked into one for a career. Additionally, many locum assignments offer paid travel to places a young doctor may not otherwise visit.
Advertising of Positions
Most available locum tenens positions are advertised through the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO). The organization is the main clearinghouse for issues, policies and questions related to the locum tenens service.
