In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, staffing challenges continue to pose significant operational and financial hurdles for hospitals and medical facilities. The increasing physician shortage and the need for specialized expertise have made locum tenens an indispensable solution for healthcare organizations.
Choosing the right locum tenens partner naturally raises many questions and concerns about what to ask and what to look for. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a locum tenens agency.
Customization and responsiveness.
The ideal locum tenens agency should go beyond transactional service and offer a tailored approach. No two healthcare facilities are the same. An agency who truly understands this will take the time to understand a facility’s unique workflow, credentialing process, and staffing needs and consider this when placing candidates.
Responsiveness is also a crucial factor to consider. A good locum tenens partner should provide regular updates on staffing progress and never leave the status of requests or candidate searches uncertain. Transparency in communication fosters trust and helps make sure expectations are aligned.
Efficient credentialing and licensing support.
Credentialing can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of bringing in temporary physicians and advanced practitioners. The right locum tenens staffing company should help expedite this process while maintaining compliance and industry standards.
Some agencies employ credentialing experts who may help streamline verification and licensing so clinicians can work as soon as possible. A knowledgeable agency will also assist in securing temporary privileges when appropriate.
Finding candidates that fit, not just the most options.
A common misconception is that more candidates presented means better hiring opportunities. However, an effective locum tenens recruiting company prioritizes quality over volume. Rather than inundating healthcare organizations with numerous unvetted candidates, a reputable staffing agency carefully screens and presents only the top clinicians for each role. This reduces the administrative burden and improves the likelihood of a successful match.
Transparent pricing and ethical practices.
Cost transparency is crucial in the locum tenens staffing industry. Some agencies may advertise lower rates but include additional fees such as daily administrative charges or peak-season rate adjustments. The right temporary healthcare staffing partner will be upfront about all costs and provide clear confirmation letters outlining rates and additional expenses.
Comprehensive support beyond placement.
The work of a locum tenens agency shouldn’t end once a clinician is presented and placed with a healthcare organization. Locum tenens recruiting companies should offer continuous support, including travel coordination, credentialing support, and issue resolution. Regular check-ins with clinicians and healthcare facilities help maintain smooth operations and proactively address concerns.
The value of a strategic locum tenens program.
While locum tenens is not a permanent staffing solution, it is vital in preventing clinician burnout, maintaining patient retention, and sustaining revenue streams. The right locum tenens staffing company will help healthcare organizations strategically integrate temporary physician staffing as a short-term solution while facilities can work toward long-term staffing stability. Additionally, by facilitating proper payer credentialing, hospitals can optimize locum tenens arrangements as a financially sustainable strategy rather than an unplanned expense.
Jackson and Coker Locum Tenens.
With 40+ years of industry-leading experience, Jackson and Coker provides clients with supportive locum tenens experience tailored to their needs. We offer the placement of healthcare professionals in key practice areas that directly impact the continuity of patient care.
When you choose to partner with Jackson and Coker for your locum tenens needs, you’re working with a team of industry experts and dedicated professionals equipped to facilitate a well-supported process that gives you the resources you need to run your facility.
