| | Considering Locum Tenens? Eight Questions to Ask Before You Start - Continued
4. What about licensure and malpractice insurance?
Licensure and malpractice concerns often create uncertainty for physicians considering locum tenens work. Doctors should ask as many questions as possible before engaging any firm or accepting a position. Because many staffing firms represent opportunities across the country, they develop expertise in the different requirements and quirks that exist from state to state. These firms usually pay all licensing fees and provide consultants dedicated to expediting the licensure process. Some firms, in fact, offer rapid licensure services. Most firms provide malpractice insurance on a "claims-made" form. Such policies guarantee malpractice protection only for the duration of the policy itself, generally one year, unless the firm purchases "tail coverage" extending the policy. It is best to work with a firm that provides coverage through an A.M. Best A + or A++ rated carrier. Request a written guarantee the firm will purchase "tail coverage" annually until the statute of limitations on each patient has expired.
5. Where will I live?
Depending upon the location and length of assignment, locum tenens physicians may live in an apartment, a condo, a hotel room, or a private home. On short assignments, family members generally do not accompany the doctor, although it is not prohibited. On longer assignments, arrangements can be made for a spouse and/or family to come along.
6. How long do assignments last?
It varies from assignment to assignment, ranging anywhere from one day to one year. Most assignments last between two weeks and two months, depending upon situation and need. Physicians select the assignment length that suits their interests. In some cases locum tenens physicians receive permanent offers from their assigned facility. The chance to "test drive" an opportunity benefits both the physician and the facility. It represents a unique aspect of the locum tenens industry.
7. Will I be accepted by patients and peers?
The short answer is yes. Twenty years ago, temporary physicians tended to be regarded with a suspect eye within the profession and patients viewed temporary doctors with a certain amount of distrust. Today, however, things have changed. Over the past two decades staffing firms and healthcare facilities tightened referencing and licensure procedures, eliminating uncertainties related to traveling doctors and assuring others of their qualifications. In fact, in a 2002 survey of healthcare facilities, 85 percent of administrators rated locum tenens physicians equal or superior to their staff physicians.
8. What if there is a problem?
Preparation and detailed work by a staffing firm or by a physician working independently will eliminate most problems. A few phone calls and questions prior to accepting an assignment will also minimize problems. Should personal or professional conflicts occur, however, physicians are generally allowed to leave their assignment without penalty.
Answering these questions before embarking on locum tenens work - either a single assignment or a career - will eliminate many of the concerns and frustrations that might otherwise divert the locum tenens adventure.
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