Locum Tenens refers to physicians who fill in for physicians, temporarily, for a short period of time. This form of work can be especially lucrative for medical practitioners, especially during the ongoing physician shortage. Since it began, this industry has grown exponentially and there are now thousands of practitioners all across the US working locum tenens.

The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations – NALTO – asserts that over 90% of US healthcare facilities use locum tenens staff and that more than 50,000 providers take on locum tenens assignments annually. All forms of work will have those that are suited to them and locum tenens is no different. Among those best suited to it are many practitioners either beginning or finishing their careers.

Flexibility

As stated above, locum tenens work is especially attractive to those at the beginning or end of their careers. The former may have difficulty finding employment with little formal work experience, while the latter can simply take on contracts in the vicinity of where they have retired. For both parties, it provides a source of income without a long-term commitment. For those at the start of their careers, it serves both as a valuable source of experience, as well as providing a feel of the environment before they commit to a longer contract at the medical institution.

This flexibility also extends to location; locum tenens contracts can be found all over the country, allowing practitioners to move either work close to home, or move around at their leisure.

Market-Based Rates

Hourly and daily pay rates for locum tenens work are dictated entirely by the market; specialties in high demand will be able to command higher fees and vice versa. Rates are also affected by shortages and, given the current state of the market, this means that most healthcare organizations are now willing to pay extremely competitive rates for temporary staff.

However, there will also be those for whom locum tenens work is unsuitable. While the benefits discussed above are appealing, there are also certain drawbacks that come with working on a temporary, contractual basis.

Travel

While the prospect of frequent work-related travel might appeal to some, to others it can prove to be a major roadblock. Those with dependents, be they children, elderly or disabled, will find it difficult leaving home for months at a time. This can mean that contracts that involve traveling out of the city or state cannot be considered.

Even without the worry of dependents, constant travel can take a toll on one’s personal life as well. Relationships with friends and family can become strained due to frequent work trips. Though some can avoid the latter by simply taking their family with them, that is not an option available to all. Even for those that can do so, uprooting their family for every new contract can cause problems in and of itself, and can lead to undue stress being placed on the family members that are constantly forced to move.

Benefits

Healthcare is expensive, as is health insurance. For many Americans, employer-provided benefits are the only reason they are able to afford their health insurance. As locum tenens work is only temporary, employers do not provide any benefits, neither do locum tenens organizations. Going this route for employment means you must fend for yourself in the realm of benefits. There will be more options, of course, but there will also be greater cost.