What You Need to Know Before Employing Locum Tenens Staffing

In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, locum tenens staffing has become an indispensable tool for healthcare facilities. Whether you're a hospital administrator, clinic manager, or practice owner, understanding the intricacies of employing locum physicians is crucial. This blog will equip you with the essential knowledge needed to navigate the world of temporary staffing effectively, ensuring seamless patient care and operational efficiency.

1. Understanding the "Why": Identifying Your Need for Locum Tenens

Before diving into the mechanics of locum staffing, it's vital to pinpoint the specific reasons your facility requires temporary physicians. Common triggers include:

• Physician Vacancies: Filling gaps during recruitment or following a physician's departure.
• Leave of Absence: Covering for maternity leave, sabbatical, or medical leave.
• Peak Demand: Managing seasonal patient influxes or addressing temporary spikes in demand.
• Expansion of Services: Providing specialized coverage while establishing new programs or services.
• Rural Healthcare Needs: Maintaining access to care in areas with limited physician availability.
• Burnout Mitigation: providing temporary relief for over worked staff.

2. The Financial Landscape: Budgeting and Cost Considerations

Locum tenens staffing involves unique financial considerations. While it offers flexibility, it's essential to understand the cost implications:

• Compensation Rates: Locum physician rates are generally higher than those of permanent staff, reflecting the temporary nature of the assignment and the physician's flexibility.
• Agency Fees: If using a staffing agency, factor in agency fees, which can vary significantly. DirectShifts provides a platform that reduces the middle man, and therefore the fees.
• Travel and Housing: For assignments requiring travel, budget for accommodation, transportation, and per diem expenses.
• Malpractice Insurance: Clarify who is responsible for providing malpractice insurance coverage.
• Administrative Costs: Account for the time and resources required for credentialing, onboarding, and administrative tasks.

3. Navigating Legal and Compliance Requirements

Employing locum physicians requires strict adherence to legal and compliance standards:

• Licensing and Credentialing: Verify that locum physicians hold valid licenses and credentials in the state where they will be practicing.
• Malpractice Insurance: Ensure adequate malpractice insurance coverage is in place.
• Contractual Agreements: Develop clear and comprehensive contractual agreements that outline the terms of the locum assignment, including compensation, responsibilities, and termination clauses.
• HIPAA Compliance: Ensure locum physicians are trained and compliant with HIPAA regulations.
• State and Federal Regulations: Stay up-to-date on relevant state and federal regulations governing locum tenens staffing.

4. The Importance of Thorough Vetting and Credentialing

The quality of care provided by locum physicians is paramount. A rigorous vetting and credentialing process is essential:

• Verification of Credentials: Verify the physician's education, training, and board certifications.
• Background Checks: Conduct thorough background checks to ensure the physician has a clean record.
• Reference Checks: Contact previous employers and colleagues to assess the physician's performance and professionalism.
• Skills Assessment: Evaluate the physician's clinical skills and experience to ensure they align with your facility's needs.
• License verification: Verify all active and past licenses.

5. Onboarding and Integration: Fostering a Seamless Transition

A smooth onboarding and integration process is crucial for a successful locum assignment:

• Orientation to Facility Policies and Procedures: Provide a comprehensive overview of your facility's policies, procedures, and electronic health record systems.
• Introduction to Staff and Workflow: Facilitate introductions to key staff members and provide a clear understanding of the facility's workflow.
• Access to Resources: Ensure locum physicians have access to necessary resources, such as medical records, equipment, and support staff.
• Communication Protocols: Establish clear communication protocols to facilitate effective communication between locum physicians and permanent staff.
• Performance Feedback: Implement a system for providing and receiving performance feedback.

6. Maintaining Continuity of Care

One of the biggest concerns for healthcare facilities is maintaining continuity of care when using locum tenens staff.

• Detailed Handoffs: Ensure that locum physicians provide detailed handoffs to permanent staff or subsequent locum physicians.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Emphasize the importance of thorough and accurate documentation.
• Patient Communication: Communicate clearly with patients about the use of locum physicians and address any concerns they may have.
• Utilize consistent EHR: Ensure all locums are trained, and using the same EHR.

7. Leveraging Technology for Efficient Staffing

Technology plays a vital role in streamlining the locum tenens staffing process:

• Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms, like DirectShifts, to connect with qualified locum physicians, manage scheduling, and facilitate communication.
• Credentialing Software: Use credentialing software to streamline the verification process.
• Telemedicine: Explore the use of telemedicine to expand access to care and utilize locum physicians remotely.

8. Building Relationships with Locum Agencies (or Direct Platforms)

If you choose to work with a staffing agency, or a direct platform, select one with a strong reputation and a proven track record. DirectShifts allows for direct placements, which saves money, and increases transparency.

• Reputation and Experience: Choose an agency with a strong reputation and extensive experience in locum tenens staffing.
• Specialization: Select an agency that specializes in your specific medical specialty.
• Communication and Support: Ensure the agency provides excellent communication and support throughout the locum assignment.

Conclusion

Employing locum tenens staffing can be a valuable strategy for healthcare facilities facing physician shortages and fluctuating patient demand. By understanding the key considerations outlined in this blog, you can navigate the complexities of temporary staffing effectively and ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care.