Frequently-Asked Questions by Physicians
What are the steps needed before I can start working a locum position?
Find a locum tenens company you feel can provide you the opportunities and services you need. The best way to find a good company is by talking to colleagues to get their recommendations. Call the company, connect with a recruiter, and share your preferences and explore the options available to you. Most locum tenens companies provide similar services. Be absolutely sure they pay for and provide you a top rated malpractice insurance policy with an extended reporting period, or tail.
Organize and complete your paperwork. First, you'll need to update or put the final touches on your CV. There will be an application to fill out for the locum tenens company and probably one for privileges at the facility. There may also be individual state medical licenses to obtain. Secure copies of your medical school diploma, post graduate training certificates, specialty board certificates, state license pocket cards, state controlled substance registration, and Federal DEA. Be sure to update your references too. A good recruiter will assist you in updating your CV, completing applications, and obtaining state medical licenses. Staying organized on your part will make chasing down the paperwork a lot less stressful. You may want to consider storing copies of all of your documents in PDF format for easy storage and access.
Set appropriate expectations and consider your options. After completing your paperwork you will need to clearly define your practice setting and geographic preferences with your recruiter. He/she will need this information to identify the right locum tenens position for you. Be flexible in setting your parameters to increase the number of options available for you to consider. Be sure to discuss the services provided by the locum tenens company as well as your compensation rate before agreeing to be presented for coverage. Also, understand that committing yourself to presentation means if the facility accepts you for services that you are expected to fulfill the request.
Interview with the healthcare facility. An interview with the facility may be required. You'll need to provide enough information about yourself to make a good impression yet ask enough specific questions so you feel comfortable with the practice description and what will be expected of you while on assignment. For helpful hints on handling the phone interview, check out a April, 2009 article from Locum Life magazine at www.locumlife.com. You’ll find Locum Life magazine a valuable resource for uncovering other locum-related information as well.
Start packing. You're on your way to the locum life. You can count on Advantage Locums' Housing Department to coordinate your travel and housing arrangements for you. All you will need to do is pack your bags and forward your mail. Leave the rest up to us!
Start practicing. Once at a facility, you'll typically take part in orientation and then you’ll be doing what you've been trained to do – delivering the best quality patient care possible.
How about licensing? How does that work for locum tenens? Unless you are working in a federal facility, you will be required to be licensed in any state where you work. Advantage Locums will help you obtain the required licenses and certifications required for any assignment you are accepted for through our company.
How do I get paid? You will be paid as an independent contractor by Advantage Locums based on the information you provide on your work record. In addition to your compensation for service, your other expenses — such as housing and travel — are fully covered.
How often am I paid? You will be paid weekly for your locum work through Advantage Locums. Your money will be deposited directly into your savings or checking account. Weekly pay is one of the greatest advantages to working with Advantage Locums. Other agencies may pay bi-weekly or monthly, so be sure to ask.
Do I have to make my own travel and housing arrangements?
No, Advantage Locums' Travel and Housing department will take care of the details for you. Have special requirements? Just let us know so we can accommodate them.
How do I reach someone if there is a problem while I am on assignment?
Your Advantage Locums representative will be available to you via Blackberry 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Help is just a phone call away.
