Many healthcare organizations rely on locum tenens today to fill staffing gaps. Practices and facilities that have never used these professionals may wonder how best to find people willing to fill open positions. A locum tenens agency can help.
The organization should compare several agencies before choosing one to partner with. The goal is to find a locum tenens agency that meets the healthcare organization’s needs. Individuals wishing to obtain work as locum tenens should follow the same steps to find an agency to help them secure positions. What factors should they consider when making this choice?
Referrals
One of the best ways to start the search for a locum tenens agency is to talk with other healthcare providers and see who they use. Don’t limit the search to the geographical area, either. Connect with contacts in different parts of the country to learn which agencies they use. Talk with individuals working as locum tenens and contacts at organizations that use these professionals to learn more about both parties in this relationship.
Narrow the Options
People might assume that working with multiple agencies will help them find the right positions or people. However, working with these agencies should streamline the process. A person can have too many agencies, so keep it to a number that can easily be managed. Less is more, particularly for those who are new to locum tenens. When an organization is looking for a specialist or a specialist is looking for an assignment, more agencies may be needed because these positions are in short supply. Primary care physicians are more commonplace, so fewer agencies are required.
Vetting Processes
Locum tenens agencies must vet candidates to ensure they can fill the needed roles. The vetting process varies by agency, so healthcare organizations must ask about the methods used. Locum tenens should also ask about vetting processes. They want to ensure the agency examines the healthcare organizations thoroughly and can make suitable matches. References are needed in this industry so agencies can learn more about the healthcare organizations they serve and the locum tenens they place.
Support Infrastructure
Locum tenens agencies should help clients with credentialing and licensing. Medical professionals are busy helping patients, so they don’t have the time to address licensing and credentialing issues when working in multiple states. The agency should assist with this and have a support infrastructure to streamline the process.
Contract Negotiations
Locum tenens can negotiate contracts, and healthcare organizations can do the same. The agency should help both parties agree on the terms of the contract. Request a rate sheet and begin negotiations from there. All aspects of the contract, not just the pay, can be negotiated.
Partnerships
All parties should work toward building a partnership rather than filling open positions. When this partnership succeeds, all parties benefit. Continue meeting with agencies until the right one is found, and choose a few backups. When a reputable agency is located, all parties are willing to be flexible because they know they can trust one another.
Finding a reputable locum tenens agency that can meet the needs of an individual or healthcare organization takes time and effort. However, once this agency is found, filling open positions becomes easy, whether a healthcare provider is looking for fill-in staff or providers looking for assignments. The right partner will save clients time and provide quality service for better patient care.