Five Travel Tips and Tricks for Locum Tenens

Traveling Doctor

How to make traveling for locums work easier.

You have enough on your mind when starting a new locum tenens assignment. Getting there shouldn’t be a burden.

Here are five tips for making locum tenens travel easier:

#1 Get ahead of the masses. 

Skip the busy airport security lines with TSA PreCheck. Apply, pay a small fee, and visit an application center to verify your identity – then you’re set for five years. Bonus: keep your shoes on and keep your laptop in your bag while you’re in the security line. Click here for eligibility and submit an online application.

#2 Pack smartly. 

Get acquainted with your new facility’s dress code and plan outfits accordingly. Neutral-toned pieces that work well in different outfits will help you pack lighter and are appropriate for a healthcare setting.

Keep your most important things such as documents, badges, jewelry, a change of clothes, and your toiletry kit in a carry-on bag. Packing cubes can help organize your belongings and even save extra space in your luggage. A seatback organizer that doubles as a messenger lets you move seamlessly from airplane to airport to rental car.

#3 Create an itinerary.

Have the following stored electronically and written in a small notebook with easy access:

  • Recruiter’s contact information and/or your hospital administrator’s contact information.
  • Flight number.
  • Rental car confirmation.
  • Lodging confirmation.
  • Address to your assigned facility.
#4 Bring your family. 

Having your spouse or pet along for your assignment can make it feel more like home. If you’re headed to an exciting destination, make it a vacation for your family. Your physician recruiter can handle the details of getting your family members accommodated.

#5 Keep expense records. 

Most of your expenses should be covered by your agency or facility, but be sure to keep detailed records of anything you buy while traveling. You are able to get tax advantages as a locum tenens physician on items such as travel, meals, housing, tools, and supplies.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

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Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.