How to Choose the Right Locum Tenens Staffing Agency (or Platform): A Strategic Guide

Selecting the right partner for your locum tenens staffing needs is crucial for ensuring quality patient care and efficient operations. Whether you opt for a traditional agency or a modern platform like DirectShifts, careful consideration is essential. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Define Your Specific Needs:

• Specialty Expertise: Determine if you need a general agency or one that specializes in specific medical specialties.
• Geographic Reach: Consider if you require nationwide coverage or a focus on a particular region.
• Assignment Duration: Specify whether you need short-term, long-term, or per-diem locum physicians.
• Budgetary Constraints: Establish your budget for locum tenens staffing and consider the cost structures of different agencies or platforms.

2. Evaluate the Agency's/Platform's Reputation and Experience:

• Years of Experience: Look for agencies or platforms with a proven track record in locum tenens staffing.
• Client Testimonials and Reviews: Research client testimonials and online reviews to gauge the agency's/platform's reputation.
• Industry Certifications: Check for industry certifications or affiliations that demonstrate the agency's/platform's commitment to quality.
• DirectShifts Reputation: DirectShifts has been building a solid reputation for transparency, and ease of use.

3. Assess the Agency's/Platform's Vetting and Credentialing Process:

• Rigorous Screening: Ensure the agency/platform has a thorough vetting process for locum physicians, including background checks and credential verification.
• License Verification: Verify that the agency/platform confirms the physician's medical licenses and board certifications.
• Malpractice Insurance: Confirm that the agency/platform ensures adequate malpractice insurance coverage.
• DirectShifts Verification: DirectShifts aids in the verification process, and allows facilities to review credentialing information.

4. Evaluate the Agency's/Platform's Communication and Support:

• Dedicated Account Manager: Look for agencies that provide a dedicated account manager to address your needs.
• Responsive Communication: Ensure the agency/platform is responsive to your inquiries and provides timely updates.
• 24/7 Support: Consider agencies that offer 24/7 support for urgent staffing needs.
• DirectShifts Communication: DirectShifts provides easy to use messaging directly on the platform.

5. Consider the Agency's/Platform's Technology and Resources:

• Online Platforms: Utilize agencies/platforms with user-friendly online platforms for managing locum tenens assignments.
• Mobile Apps: Consider agencies/platforms with mobile apps for convenient access to information and communication.
• Technology Integration: Ensure the agency/platform's technology integrates seamlessly with your facility's systems.
• DirectShifts Technology: DirectShifts is a tech forward platform, built to streamline the Locum Tenens process.

6. Compare Fee Structures and Contract Terms:

• Transparency: Ensure the agency/platform's fee structure is transparent and clearly outlined.
• Contract Flexibility: Consider agencies/platforms that offer flexible contract terms to accommodate your needs.
• DirectShifts Cost Effectiveness: DirectShifts' direct placement model often results in significant cost savings compared to traditional agencies.

7. DirectShifts: A Modern Approach to Locum Tenens Staffing:

• Direct Connections: DirectShifts connects healthcare facilities directly with qualified locum physicians, eliminating the need for intermediaries.
• Cost Savings: The direct placement model often results in significant cost savings.
• Increased Transparency: DirectShifts provides complete transparency throughout the locum tenens staffing process.
• Efficient Communication: The platform's messaging system facilitates seamless communication between facilities and physicians.
• Streamlined Processes: DirectShifts streamlines the entire locum tenens staffing process, from matching to credentialing and scheduling.
• Control: DirectShifts allows the healthcare facility much more control over the entire process.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right locum tenens staffing partner is a critical decision. By carefully evaluating agencies and platforms based on the criteria outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful and efficient locum tenens staffing experience. DirectShifts offers a modern, technology-driven approach that provides numerous advantages, including cost savings, increased transparency, and streamlined processes.