Looking for a change? Maybe locum tenens would be a good fit for you.
Doing temporary medical work has become a popular choice among many doctors. And more healthcare facilities are now hiring contract physicians through companies like https://mascmedical.com.
Is working in locum tenens a good fit for you? Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits
Combat career burnout with greater flexibility and independence
- Emergency physicians may suffer from this more than most, but burnout is common among many doctors. As a result, the safety of patients is at higher risk, as medical errors are greater as a result of fatigue.
- When working as a locum, you can control your schedule. Plan it months ahead or take on urgent assignments, it’s your choice.
- Work when and where you want. It’s a fantastic chance to travel the country and still earn a comfortable living.
Better pay
- You will likely be paid more than a regular full-time doctor in a permanent contract at the same facility.
- If you are hired via an agency, the agency usually covers the costs of malpractice insurance, licensing, travel and accommodation.
- Freedom and greater flexibility are appealing to some doctors, but others prefer to have extra income as well as a regular paycheck. Nearly 50% of locums have permanent positions elsewhere, and use locum work as a means to boost their earnings through temporary work.
Drawbacks
Dealing with paperwork
- This will depend largely on your agency if you work through one. But either going it alone or through an agency, you need to be ready to do your due diligence regarding the paperwork involved.
- Normally, your recruiter will deal with the necessary paperwork, but you should make sure that it’s the case.
- Understand your contract, pay attention to how medical malpractice insurance is treated, who provides it?
- Be clear about policy inclusions and exclusions. Is there a deductible? Who will be responsible for paying it?
- If an agency is not forthcoming with all the relevant details, be prepared to look elsewhere.
Benefits
- For those who only do locum work, and don’t have a permanent position elsewhere, there is the need to organize health insurance.
- If you have a spouse, you could get coverage through their plan, if not you’ll need to look into getting your own coverage.
- Of course, it’s not hard to find insurance, from the American Medical Association, or an insurance broker.
- You’ll be in charge of organizing your retirement plan too.
Paying an agency
- Many locum tenens doctors work with a recruitment agency, and they take their cut. The fee covers administrative costs and other expenses.
- Doctors are often unaware of the break down of fees. They never know what the employer pays exactly, and the healthcare establishment doesn’t know what the doctor is paid.
- Working as a locum isn’t the right choice for all doctors. But you can give it a try and then see if it’s something you want to pursue in the long term.
