What Is Locum Tenens? The Complete, In-Depth Doctor’s Guide to Locum Tenens Work
/If you’re a physician exploring more flexibility, higher earning potential, or a way to test-drive new practice environments without a long-term commitment, you’ve probably heard the term locum tenens. But what is locum tenens, really—and how does locum tenens work in the real world for doctors?
In plain language, locum tenens is temporary physician work. Hospitals, clinics, and health systems hire doctors on a short-term basis to cover staffing gaps, maintain access to care, and keep services running smoothly. Physicians take locum tenens assignments for many reasons: lifestyle flexibility, travel, filling employment gaps, boosting income, reducing burnout, or sampling different practice models before committing to a permanent job.
This guide is designed to be a complete, in-depth resource on locum tenens for doctors. You’ll learn how locum tenens works, why facilities use locum tenens, how physicians get started, what contracts and pay structures look like, and how to succeed clinically and financially as a locum tenens physician. Throughout, you’ll also see the term locum tenens used often—because this is an SEO-focused, comprehensive article for doctors searching for locum tenens information.
What Is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens is a Latin phrase that roughly translates to “to hold the place of.” In healthcare, locum tenens refers to a clinician (often a physician) who temporarily fills in for another clinician or supplements a staffing need at a facility.
A locum tenens physician might cover:
A physician going on maternity/paternity leave
A physician who is out due to illness or disability
A vacancy while a facility recruits for a permanent role
Seasonal patient surges (tourist areas, winter resident spikes, etc.)
Expansion of service lines (new clinic, new OR block time, new call coverage)
Rural access gaps or underserved communities
Unexpected attrition or provider burnout
Coverage for vacations and holidays
Locum tenens work exists across nearly every specialty: hospital medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesia, radiology, psychiatry, OB/GYN, general surgery, urology, GI, cardiology, critical care, family medicine, and more.
Locum Tenens vs. Travel Medicine vs. Moonlighting
These terms get mixed up, but they’re not identical:
Locum tenens: Temporary coverage roles, often arranged through staffing agencies (though some are direct contracts). Assignments can be short or long.
Travel medicine (as used informally): Often just a casual term people use for locum tenens, but “travel medicine” is also a clinical niche about infectious disease/travel counseling.
Moonlighting: Extra shifts outside a primary job; can be locum tenens, but moonlighting also includes internal extra shifts, per diem work, or local coverage not arranged as formal locum tenens.
So if you’re asking, “What is locum tenens?” the simplest answer is: locum tenens is temporary physician work designed to fill staffing needs and maintain patient access.
Why Locum Tenens Exists: The Facility Perspective
To understand locum tenens, it helps to see why hospitals and clinics rely on locum tenens coverage. Facilities aren’t using locum tenens because it’s trendy—they use locum tenens because it solves urgent operational problems.
1) Continuity of Care and Patient Access
When a physician leaves or takes extended leave, patient panels don’t disappear. Locum tenens physicians ensure patients still get seen, procedures continue, and schedules don’t collapse.
2) Revenue Preservation
Many service lines are revenue-critical (OR time, imaging reads, hospitalist coverage, ED coverage). A gap in coverage can mean cancelled cases, diverted patients, and lost revenue. Locum tenens protects continuity and keeps the system functioning.
3) Recruiting Takes Time
Recruiting a permanent physician can take months. Credentialing, licensing, contract negotiation, onboarding, and relocation can easily push timelines out further. Locum tenens bridges the gap.
4) Burnout Prevention for the Remaining Team
When one doctor leaves, others absorb call and clinical volume. This can trigger a burnout cascade. Locum tenens helps prevent a system from collapsing under increased workload.
5) Coverage for Specialized Skills
Some facilities need temporary coverage for specific competencies—trauma call, endoscopy, cardiac anesthesia, high-risk OB, etc. Locum tenens physicians fill these needs without long-term employment commitments.
Why Doctors Choose Locum Tenens
Doctors choose locum tenens for different reasons depending on career stage, family needs, and financial goals. Here are the most common motivations.
1) Flexibility and Control
Locum tenens allows you to choose:
When you work
Where you work
How much you work
What types of assignments you accept
How call is structured
Whether you want day shifts only, nights only, weekends only, or block schedules
For many physicians, this control is the number one benefit of locum tenens work.
2) Higher Pay Potential
Many locum tenens physician rates can exceed employed rates on an hourly basis, particularly in high-demand specialties or hard-to-staff regions. Locum tenens may also include paid travel and lodging, which effectively increases your net.
3) Escape From Non-Clinical Burdens
Locum tenens physicians are typically not expected to participate in the same administrative burden as employed physicians. Many locum tenens roles are “show up, practice medicine, go home.”
4) Test-Drive New Locations and Practice Models
Locum tenens is a powerful way to explore different hospital systems, EMR environments, and regional practice patterns—without committing for years.
5) Bridge Between Jobs or Career Transitions
Common scenarios include:
Leaving a job and taking time before the next
Relocating and wanting income while searching
Graduating training and exploring options
Semi-retirement, reducing workload, or pivoting to part-time work
6) Reducing Burnout
For some physicians, locum tenens offers a reset: fewer meetings, fewer politics, fewer committees, fewer productivity dashboards.
What Locum Tenens Work Looks Like Day-to-Day
There’s no single “locum tenens lifestyle.” Locum tenens assignments vary widely:
Assignment Length
Short-term: A few shifts, a weekend, 1–2 weeks
Medium-term: 1–3 months
Long-term: 3–12 months (sometimes longer)
Setting
Hospital inpatient coverage (hospitalist, ICU, specialty consults)
Emergency department
Clinic-based outpatient work
OR/procedural-based blocks
Hybrid models (clinic + call + occasional OR)
Rural critical access hospitals
Large academic or tertiary centers
Schedule Models
Block scheduling (7 on / 7 off; 14 on / 14 off)
Weekday clinic only
Weekend coverage
Night shifts
Call-heavy roles (common in surgical subspecialties)
“Pager call” vs in-house call
A key truth about locum tenens: the lifestyle benefit comes from choosing the right assignments, not from locum tenens automatically being “easy.”
How Locum Tenens Works: The Players Involved
Most physicians enter locum tenens through one of two pathways:
Pathway 1: Locum Tenens Staffing Agency
A staffing agency (or locum tenens company) acts as the middleman between physicians and facilities. The agency:
Finds assignments
Negotiates pay rates (with the facility)
Manages logistics (travel, lodging)
Handles credentialing support and paperwork
Often provides malpractice insurance
Coordinates timesheets and payment
The physician signs an agreement with the locum tenens agency and a specific assignment confirmation for each job.
Pathway 2: Direct Locum Tenens Contract
Some doctors contract directly with a hospital or group without an agency. Direct contracting can:
Increase pay (no middleman margin)
Increase administrative burden (credentialing, malpractice, travel)
Require more contract knowledge and negotiation
Many physicians start with an agency and move toward direct contracts later.
Credentialing and Licensing: The Backbone of Locum Tenens
If you want to understand what slows down locum tenens, it’s credentialing.
1) State Medical License
To work a locum tenens assignment, you must be licensed in that state. If you only have one state license, your assignment options are limited to that state.
Many locum tenens physicians eventually build a “license portfolio” in multiple states. Some states are faster than others. Some require extensive documentation, fingerprinting, and verifications.
2) Credentialing with the Facility
Even if you’re licensed, you must be credentialed and privileged at the facility. This includes:
Verification of education and training
Board certification status
Work history and references
Peer references
Malpractice claims history
NPDB query
Background check
DEA and controlled substance registration
Immunizations and health screening
EMR training and onboarding modules
Credentialing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the facility.
3) The Timeline Reality
New locum tenens physicians often underestimate timeline. You may see a great locum tenens job posted today—but if credentialing takes 90 days, you won’t start for three months unless it’s an urgent, fast-track situation.
Pro tip: If you want to do locum tenens consistently, keep your documents organized and up to date.
Malpractice Insurance in Locum Tenens
Malpractice is a core concern for doctors considering locum tenens work. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Provides Malpractice Coverage?
In many locum tenens assignments arranged through agencies, the agency provides malpractice insurance. Sometimes the facility provides it. In direct contracts, you may need to obtain your own coverage.
Occurrence vs Claims-Made
Occurrence coverage protects you for incidents that occur during the policy period, even if a claim is filed later.
Claims-made coverage protects you only if the claim is made while the policy is active; it often requires “tail coverage” when you stop.
If your locum tenens assignment uses claims-made coverage, be crystal clear on who pays for tail coverage.
Know the Limits
Typical policy limits might be something like $1M/$3M, but it varies by specialty and state. Confirm:
Per-claim limit
Aggregate limit
Whether it includes legal defense costs inside or outside limits
Any exclusions relevant to your practice (procedures, telemedicine, etc.)
Pay and Compensation in Locum Tenens: How Doctors Get Paid
Locum tenens compensation can look simple (“$X per hour”), but there are nuances.
Common Pay Structures
Hourly rate: Most common for hospital-based specialties
Daily rate: Common for clinic coverage
Shift rate: Often in emergency medicine
Per RVU or per case: Less common but exists in procedural settings
Call pay + production: Sometimes call stipend plus additional pay for callbacks or cases
What’s Included?
Many locum tenens jobs include:
Travel (flight, rental car or mileage)
Lodging (hotel or furnished housing)
Sometimes per diem for meals
Licensing reimbursement (varies)
Credentialing support
Malpractice insurance
Taxes: W-2 vs 1099
A major difference in locum tenens is whether you’re paid as:
W-2 employee of the agency (with taxes withheld), or
1099 independent contractor (responsible for estimated taxes, self-employment tax, deductions, and business structure)
Many locum tenens physicians are 1099 contractors, but it varies by agency and assignment. Your tax strategy can materially change your take-home pay.
Important: 1099 status can open legitimate deductions (travel not reimbursed, licensing, CME, equipment, phone, home office, etc.) if properly structured and documented. Consider working with a CPA experienced in physician locum tenens work.
Travel and Lodging: The Practical Side of Locum Tenens
Travel is a huge part of locum tenens for many physicians. Even if you’re doing local locum tenens work, logistics matter.
Who Books Travel?
Often the agency handles travel booking. Sometimes you book and get reimbursed. Clarify:
Maximum hotel rate
Preferred airlines/hotels
Rental car vs mileage reimbursement
How changes or cancellations are handled
Housing Types
Hotels (common for short assignments)
Furnished apartments (common for longer assignments)
Extended stay hotels
Sometimes hospital-provided housing (rural)
Travel Efficiency Tips
Experienced locum tenens physicians:
Keep a standardized packing list
Travel with essentials for sleep and focus (eye mask, white noise, etc.)
Confirm local transportation availability
Arrive early enough to orient to the facility
Contracts in Locum Tenens: What Doctors Must Understand
A locum tenens contract may feel like paperwork, but it matters. Key elements include:
1) Pay Rate and Payment Terms
Hourly/shift rate
Overtime definition
Holiday pay (if any)
Call pay and callback pay
How time is tracked and approved
Payment schedule (weekly, biweekly, net-30)
2) Cancellation Policy
What happens if:
The facility cancels shifts?
The facility cancels the entire assignment?
You need to cancel due to illness or family emergency?
Some contracts include guaranteed hours or cancellation fees. Others do not.
3) Scope of Work and Expectations
Patient volume
Procedures required
Supervision requirements (APNs/PAs, residents)
Call responsibilities and response time
Inpatient vs outpatient split
Coverage expectations if census surges
4) Malpractice and Indemnification
Who provides coverage
Occurrence vs claims-made
Tail coverage responsibility
Indemnification language (be cautious)
5) Non-Compete / Restrictive Covenants
Some agencies include clauses limiting your ability to contract directly with the facility. Understand:
Radius restrictions
Duration
Whether it applies to permanent conversion
6) Independent Contractor Language
If 1099:
Ensure the contract reflects contractor status appropriately
Clarify that you control schedule acceptance (to support classification)
Many physicians review locum tenens contracts quickly—then regret it. Even if you don’t have a lawyer review every assignment, you should understand the key terms and red flags.
The Pros and Cons of Locum Tenens for Doctors
Benefits of Locum Tenens
Flexibility in schedule and location
Potentially higher hourly pay
Less administrative burden
Variety and new experiences
Ability to travel and explore
Helps avoid long-term politics and bureaucracy
Useful as a bridge between jobs
Opportunity to “try before you buy” (perm conversion)
Challenges of Locum Tenens
Credentialing delays
Learning new EMRs repeatedly
Variable facility culture and support
Travel fatigue and time away from family
Less continuity of patient care
Risk of being placed in understaffed environments
Need for strong adaptability and communication
Taxes and benefits management if 1099 (retirement, health insurance, disability)
Locum tenens can be incredible—but it’s not effortless. The best locum tenens physicians treat it like a professional craft.
Choosing the Right Locum Tenens Assignment: A Doctor’s Checklist
To succeed in locum tenens, you must evaluate assignments like an investor evaluates deals. Before you accept, ask:
Clinical and Workflow Questions
What is the daily patient volume?
What is the typical acuity?
Who are the support staff? Are they stable?
What is the call schedule and response expectation?
What procedures are required?
How are consults handled?
Is there backup coverage?
What is the EMR? Will I get training?
Are there clinical protocols and order sets?
Operational and Culture Questions
Why is the facility hiring locum tenens?
Is it a coverage gap, growth, or chronic understaffing?
What is the orientation like?
Who is my point person onsite?
How do they handle conflicts or escalations?
Logistics and Money Questions
How is time tracked?
When do I get paid?
Is travel booked for me?
What is the cancellation policy?
Is malpractice occurrence?
Are licensing fees reimbursed?
The more clarity you get upfront, the better your locum tenens experience will be.
Getting Started in Locum Tenens: Step-by-Step
If you’re new to locum tenens, here’s a practical pathway.
Step 1: Clarify Your “Why”
Decide what you want from locum tenens:
Maximum income?
Flexibility and time off?
Travel and variety?
Reduced burnout?
A bridge between jobs?
Your goal determines which assignments you should accept.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Most locum tenens onboarding requires:
CV with month/year chronology
Copies of licenses
Board certification documentation
DEA registration
Immunizations and titers
BLS/ACLS/PALS (as needed)
Case logs (procedural specialties)
References
Malpractice history / claims
Explanation of any gaps
Having these ready speeds everything up.
Step 3: Choose One or More Locum Tenens Agencies
Many doctors work with multiple agencies. If you do, be organized:
Track where you applied
Track which facilities you were submitted to (avoid duplicate submissions)
Be clear on what you want (schedule, location, pay threshold)
Step 4: Get Licensed Strategically
If you plan to do locum tenens long-term, consider adding licenses in:
High-demand states for your specialty
States with faster licensing timelines
States where you would realistically work repeatedly
Step 5: Start With a “Friendly” Assignment
Your first locum tenens assignment should ideally be:
Reasonable workload
Good support staff
Predictable schedule
Clear scope of work
A facility used to working with locum tenens physicians
Once you have a rhythm, you can take on higher-paying or more complex assignments.
How to Succeed Clinically as a Locum Tenens Physician
Facilities hire locum tenens for stability and reliability. The doctors who thrive in locum tenens tend to excel at:
1) Rapid Adaptation
You will encounter new workflows constantly. Be comfortable asking:
“What’s the local protocol here?”
“Who do I call for X?”
“How do admissions/discharges happen here?”
2) Clear Communication
Locum tenens physicians are often “new to the team,” so communication matters:
Clarify expectations early
Document clearly
Close loops with nursing, consultants, and administrators
3) Conservative Decision-Making When Systems Are Unfamiliar
In a new setting, you may not have the same follow-up reliability or outpatient resources. Know when to:
Observe longer
Consult earlier
Use established pathways
4) Professionalism Under Stress
Some locum tenens environments are chaotic. Your calm demeanor is part of your value.
Financial Strategy for Locum Tenens Doctors
Because locum tenens can be high earning and often 1099-based, it pairs well with intentional financial planning.
1) Budget for Variable Income
Locum tenens income can fluctuate due to:
Credentialing delays
Cancellations
Seasonal demand
Personal schedule choices
Maintain a cash buffer.
2) Retirement Planning
If you’re 1099, you may have access to:
Solo 401(k)
SEP IRA
Defined benefit plans (advanced strategy)
These can significantly reduce taxes while building wealth.
3) Tax Planning and Estimated Payments
If you’re 1099, you must manage:
Quarterly estimated taxes
State tax considerations (multi-state work)
Documentation for deductions
Work with a CPA who understands multi-state physician income.
4) Insurance and Benefits
As a locum tenens physician, you may need to secure:
Health insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Liability coverage beyond malpractice (umbrella)
Some agencies offer benefits if you’re W-2, but many locum tenens physicians handle benefits independently.
Locum Tenens Red Flags: What to Watch For
Not every locum tenens job is a good job. Be cautious if:
The facility can’t explain why they need locum tenens
The volume expectations are vague or seem unrealistic
There’s no clear backup coverage
The onboarding/orientation is minimal or chaotic
The EMR training is nonexistent
The contract has aggressive indemnification language
The cancellation policy is one-sided
The facility has chronic turnover and poor staffing ratios
The recruiter avoids direct answers
Locum tenens is about optionality. You don’t need to accept a bad deal.
Locum Tenens and Permanent Jobs: Conversion and Career Building
Many locum tenens assignments can turn into permanent roles. This can be beneficial if you:
Like the location
Like the team
Want a stable base while keeping occasional locum tenens on the side
If conversion is possible, understand:
Agency conversion fees
Timing restrictions
Whether the facility can hire you directly
Whether you want to negotiate a permanent contract
Locum tenens can be a long-term career choice—or a strategic phase.
Frequently Asked Questions Doctors Have About Locum Tenens
Is locum tenens worth it as a doctor?
It can be, especially if you value flexibility, want higher hourly pay, or want to escape administrative burden. The best outcomes happen when you choose assignments strategically and plan finances intentionally.
Is locum tenens only for rural areas?
No. Many locum tenens jobs are rural, but there are also locum tenens assignments in suburban and urban areas, including large health systems.
Can new attending physicians do locum tenens?
Yes, but it depends on specialty, confidence, and support needs. Some facilities prefer experienced physicians. Starting with a supportive environment is key.
How quickly can I start locum tenens?
If you are already licensed and credentialed, you might start within weeks. If you need a new license and credentialing, it can take months.
Do locum tenens physicians get benefits?
Sometimes, if paid W-2 by an agency. Many locum tenens physicians are 1099 and manage benefits independently.
The Bottom Line: What Is Locum Tenens and Who Should Do It?
So, what is locum tenens? Locum tenens is temporary physician work that fills staffing gaps, preserves patient access, and gives doctors flexibility and earning opportunities.
Locum tenens can be a perfect fit if you want:
Control over schedule and location
Strong hourly earning potential
A break from administrative overload
A bridge between jobs or a semi-retirement model
Variety, travel, and new professional experiences
But locum tenens also demands organization, adaptability, and comfort with change. The physicians who succeed in locum tenens treat it like a professional system: documents prepared, contracts understood, finances optimized, and assignments chosen with discipline.
Locum Tenens FAQ
1) What is locum tenens?
Locum tenens is temporary clinical work where a physician fills in at a hospital, clinic, or health system for a defined time period. A locum tenens physician covers gaps caused by staffing shortages, vacation, medical leave, recruitment delays, seasonal demand, or program expansion.
2) What does locum tenens mean in plain English?
In plain English, locum tenens means “temporary coverage.” A locum tenens doctor is hired to “hold the place” of a permanent clinician or to add short-term capacity.
3) How does locum tenens work for doctors?
Locum tenens work typically works through a staffing agency or direct contracting. You agree to an assignment’s dates, scope, schedule, and pay. Then licensing (if needed), credentialing, malpractice coverage, and travel logistics are arranged so you can start seeing patients.
4) Is locum tenens only for certain specialties?
No. Locum tenens exists in nearly every specialty—hospitalist medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesia, radiology, psychiatry, OB/GYN, family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and many subspecialties. Demand varies by specialty and geography.
5) What is a locum tenens assignment?
A locum tenens assignment is a specific temporary job (for example: “two weeks of inpatient coverage,” “three months of clinic coverage,” or “weekend call coverage twice per month”). Assignments can be short (a few shifts) or long (months).
6) How long do locum tenens assignments last?
Locum tenens assignments can last:
A few shifts or a weekend
1–4 weeks
1–3 months
3–12+ months
Longer assignments are common when a facility is recruiting for a permanent physician.
7) Can locum tenens be a full-time career?
Yes. Many physicians build a long-term locum tenens career by stacking assignments, working blocks (like 7-on/7-off), or maintaining recurring coverage contracts at the same facility.
8) Is locum tenens good for work-life balance?
It can be—if you choose the right locum tenens jobs. The biggest lifestyle advantage is control: you can select schedules and locations that match your priorities. The downside is that travel and credentialing timelines can add friction.
9) Does locum tenens pay more than a permanent job?
Often yes on an hourly basis, especially for high-demand specialties or hard-to-staff areas. However, permanent jobs may include benefits, retirement matches, paid time off, and long-term stability. Comparing locum tenens pay vs employed pay should include total compensation and benefits.
10) How are locum tenens doctors paid?
Most locum tenens physicians are paid:
Hourly
Per shift
Daily
Some procedural roles include call stipends, per-case, or productivity components.
11) Do locum tenens physicians get paid for travel?
Many locum tenens assignments include paid travel and lodging arranged by the agency or reimbursed by the facility. Confirm what’s covered: flights, rental car, mileage, hotel, and any per diem.
12) Is locum tenens W-2 or 1099?
Both exist. Many locum tenens roles pay physicians as 1099 independent contractors, but some agencies offer W-2employment for certain positions. Your tax planning can look very different based on classification.
13) What are the tax advantages of locum tenens?
If you’re paid as a 1099 locum tenens physician, you may qualify for legitimate business deductions (depending on your situation), and you may be able to contribute to retirement plans like a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. Multi-state taxes can be complex—work with a CPA familiar with locum tenens.
14) Do locum tenens doctors need an LLC?
Not always. Many physicians do locum tenens as a sole proprietor, while others use an LLC (often taxed as an S-corp in some scenarios). Whether an LLC makes sense depends on income level, state rules, administrative burden, and tax strategy. A physician-focused CPA can help you decide.
15) Do locum tenens doctors get health insurance?
Sometimes—mainly if you’re W-2 through an agency that offers benefits. Many locum tenens physicians are 1099 and obtain health insurance independently (spouse plan, marketplace, or private options).
16) What about disability insurance for locum tenens doctors?
If you’re primarily locum tenens, disability insurance becomes even more important because your income depends on your ability to work. Some doctors maintain an individual policy (often the most reliable option), especially for 1099 work.
17) Who provides malpractice insurance for locum tenens?
Often the agency provides malpractice coverage, sometimes the facility does, and in some direct contracts the physician arranges it. Always confirm:
Who pays
Policy type (occurrence vs claims-made)
Coverage limits
Whether tail coverage is required and who covers it
18) What is occurrence vs claims-made malpractice in locum tenens?
Occurrence covers incidents that happen during the coverage period, regardless of when a claim is filed.
Claims-made covers you only if the policy is active when the claim is filed; it may require tail coverage after the assignment ends.
For locum tenens, occurrence coverage is often simpler.
19) How long does credentialing take for locum tenens?
Credentialing can take weeks to months. Factors include the facility’s process, completeness of your documents, background checks, references, and committee meeting schedules. Experienced locum tenens doctors keep credentialing files updated to move faster.
20) How can I speed up locum tenens credentialing?
To speed credentialing:
Keep a master CV with month/year accuracy
Maintain copies of licenses, DEA, board certs
Keep immunizations/titers current
Have references ready
Keep malpractice history documentation accessible
Respond to requests quickly
This is one of the biggest success factors in locum tenens.
21) Do I need a state medical license for every locum tenens job?
Yes. You must be licensed in the state where you practice. Some physicians build multiple state licenses to access more locum tenens opportunities and reduce downtime between assignments.
22) Can I do locum tenens in multiple states?
Yes, but multi-state locum tenens work can create tax filing requirements in multiple states. Keep good records of where you worked and for how long, and plan for state income tax considerations.
23) Is there “fast-track” locum tenens credentialing?
Sometimes. Facilities in urgent need may expedite credentialing and privileging. These are often high-demand, higher-stress assignments—great for experienced locum tenens physicians who can adapt quickly.
24) What are the biggest pros of locum tenens for doctors?
Common pros of locum tenens:
Flexibility
Higher hourly pay potential
Reduced administrative burden
Travel and variety
Ability to “test-drive” systems
Bridge income between jobs
25) What are the biggest cons of locum tenens?
Common cons of locum tenens:
Credentialing delays
Learning new EMRs repeatedly
Travel fatigue and time away from family
Variable staffing/support
Less continuity of care
Benefits and taxes may be self-managed (1099)
26) Is locum tenens risky for doctors?
It can be if you accept poorly supported assignments or unclear scopes of work. The best way to reduce risk in locum tenens is to vet assignments carefully, confirm malpractice coverage, clarify call burden, and ensure there’s adequate backup.
27) How do I choose a good locum tenens assignment?
Ask detailed questions about:
Patient volume and acuity
Call expectations and backup
Support staff stability
EMR and onboarding
Procedures required
Reason for locum tenens need
Cancellation policy
The best locum tenens jobs are transparent and well-structured.
28) What are locum tenens red flags?
Red flags include:
Vague volume expectations
No clear backup coverage
“Everyone is new” staffing
Poor onboarding
One-sided cancellation terms
Recruiter avoiding direct answers
If it feels chaotic before you arrive, it may be worse on site.
29) Can new attendings do locum tenens right out of training?
Yes, but carefully. Some facilities prefer experienced physicians. New attendings can succeed in locum tenens by choosing supportive environments, predictable scope, and reasonable volumes—especially for the first assignment.
30) Can residents or fellows do locum tenens?
Generally, you need an unrestricted medical license and the ability to credential independently. Residents/fellows may do moonlighting if permitted by their program and licensing status, but true independent locum tenens typically requires completion of training and full credentialing eligibility.
31) How does locum tenens work with call coverage?
Call varies widely in locum tenens:
Pager call vs in-house call
Call frequency and intensity
Callback pay or included call
Always confirm response times, backup coverage, and compensation structure.
32) Do locum tenens doctors get paid extra for call?
Sometimes. Many locum tenens contracts include a call stipend plus additional pay for callbacks or cases. Others bundle call into the base rate. Clarify in writing.
33) What should be included in a locum tenens contract?
Key contract items for locum tenens:
Pay rate and overtime rules
Schedule and scope
Call responsibilities
Malpractice details (type + tail)
Cancellation policy
Travel/lodging policy
Timesheet/payment terms
Restrictive covenants / conversion clauses
34) What is a locum tenens conversion fee?
A conversion fee is what a staffing agency may charge a facility if they hire you permanently after you worked there through the agency. If you want permanent conversion, ask early about timelines and restrictions in your locum tenensagreement.
35) Can locum tenens lead to a permanent job?
Yes. Many physicians use locum tenens as a “working interview.” If you like the team and the facility likes you, conversion can be a win—just understand agency clauses and timing.
36) Do locum tenens physicians get orientation and training?
It depends. Better facilities provide orientation, EMR training, and clear workflows. Others provide minimal onboarding. As a locum tenens doctor, insist on at least enough orientation to practice safely.
37) What EMR challenges are common in locum tenens?
Switching EMRs is one of the biggest daily pains in locum tenens. Ask:
Which EMR
Whether you get training
Whether templates/order sets exist
Whether dictation tools are available
Efficiency improves dramatically with small workflow supports.
38) How do locum tenens agencies make money?
Agencies charge the facility a higher rate than what they pay the locum tenens physician, and the difference covers recruiting, credentialing staff, malpractice, and overhead. This is why direct contracts may pay more—but require more admin effort.
39) Should I work with more than one locum tenens agency?
Many doctors do. If you do, keep excellent records to avoid double submissions to the same facility. Multiple agencies can expand your access to locum tenens jobs.
40) What questions should I ask a locum tenens recruiter?
Ask:
Why is this locum tenens need happening?
What is the true daily volume and acuity?
What support staff is on site?
What’s the call burden and backup?
Is malpractice occurrence? Who pays tail if needed?
What’s the cancellation policy?
How quickly do they pay?
Good recruiters are clear, direct, and consistent.
41) How do I avoid burnout in locum tenens?
Locum tenens can reduce burnout—but it can also create new stress (travel, new systems). To avoid burnout:
Choose assignments with sane volumes
Build downtime between blocks
Limit constant EMR switching
Repeat assignments at good facilities
Protect sleep and recovery habits
42) Is locum tenens good for semi-retirement?
Yes. Many physicians use locum tenens to scale down to a few weeks per month, keep skills fresh, and maintain income without full-time employment commitments.
43) Do locum tenens doctors get CME money?
Sometimes, but not always. Many locum tenens physicians pay CME expenses themselves (especially 1099) and may deduct them where appropriate. Confirm if any CME reimbursement exists.
44) What equipment should locum tenens doctors bring?
Common essentials:
Reliable stethoscope
Small clinical references (digital)
Badge reels, pens, headlamp (procedural areas)
Laptop/tablet (if helpful)
Anything specialty-specific (otoscope attachments, loupes, etc.)
Keep it minimal but consistent for locum tenens travel.
45) How do I document well as a locum tenens physician?
Because you’re temporary, documentation should be extra clear:
Clear assessment and plan
Strong handoff notes
Explicit follow-up instructions
Document communications and consult recommendations
This is both good medicine and risk management in locum tenens.
46) What if a locum tenens assignment is unsafe?
If staffing or support is unsafe:
Escalate to onsite leadership
Document concerns through appropriate channels
Inform your recruiter/agency immediately
If needed, remove yourself from unsafe conditions
Your license and patient safety come first in locum tenens.
47) Can I negotiate locum tenens pay?
Often yes. Pay depends on specialty demand, location, urgency, and coverage burden. You may be able to negotiate higher rates, better call pay, better travel arrangements, or improved cancellation terms in locum tenens contracts.
48) When is the best time of year to find locum tenens jobs?
Demand varies, but common peaks include:
Summer (vacation coverage)
Winter holidays
Times of staffing transitions
Some specialties have steady demand year-round. Recruiters can give seasonal trends for locum tenens in your specialty.
49) Is locum tenens a good way to pay off debt faster?
It can be. Many physicians use higher hourly locum tenens income to accelerate student loan payoff or build savings—especially if they keep lifestyle inflation in check.
50) What’s the best first step if I’m interested in locum tenens?
The best first step is to define your ideal parameters (location, schedule, minimum pay, call tolerance), organize your credentialing documents, and talk to one or two reputable recruiters to understand the current locum tenens market in your specialty.