Top Locum Agencies & How to Choose

Frank Melo, MD
Published by Frank Melo, MD
Locum agency team collaborating in a modern office, focusing on physician placements, with computers, a world map, and medical charts visible.
Locum agency collaborating to support clinicians

If you're considering locum tenens work, you already know it offers great flexibility and a chance to experience diverse clinical environments. However, the key to a successful and satisfying locum tenens career lies in partnering with the right agency.

Need a brief overview? Checkout my Physician's Beginner Guide to Locum Tenens.

This guide is designed specifically for physicians who are navigating the locum tenens landscape. I understand that your needs and requirements are unique, and choosing the right agency can make a big difference in your locums experience. Whether you're new to the locum world or have done a few assignments, you'll pick up some valuable lessons in this guide.

Why Use a Locum Tenens Agency

First up, it's about access. Anesthesiologists have found a world of opportunities thanks to agencies. Whether they're want to work in busy urban hospitals or seeking the quiet of rural practices, agencies have opened doors they didn't even know existed. It's like having a personal career navigator who knows where the best opportunities are hiding.

Then there's the whole admin maze. The anesthesiologists I've worked with have repeatedly shared how grateful they are for agencies handling the mountain of paperwork. Imagine moving from state to state and having to deal with licensing, credentialing, and the endless forms. Agencies handle this headache, letting anesthesiologists focus on their actual work – taking care of patients.

On the money front, it's a no-brainer. These seasoned pros often highlight how agencies have a knack for securing better pay rates than they could negotiate on their own. Plus, the agencies sort out all the billing and ensure timely payments. For anesthesiologists, who are often too busy to haggle or chase down invoices, this is a massive relief.

Support during assignments is another big win. My colleagues have shared countless stories where their agency was their lifeline – resolving disputes, sorting out accommodation hiccups, or just being there for a chat when things got tough in a new environment. It's like having a backup team, which is invaluable when you're in unfamiliar territory.

Lastly, and crucially, is the aspect of professional protection. Anesthesiology is high-stakes, and having malpractice insurance through an agency has given many of my peers a sense of security. Knowing that they're covered in case anything goes south legally lets them concentrate on their job without that nagging worry at the back of their mind.

What an agency does for you

  1. Saving you lots of time finding job opportunities by connecting you with a wide range of positions.
  2. Handles paperwork including licensing, credentialing, and administrative tasks.
  3. Negotiates pay to secure competitive salaries and benefits.
  4. Ensures timely payment by managing billing and ensuring prompt payment for services.
  5. Provides logistical support by arranging travel and accommodation.
  6. Offers professional support with ongoing assistance during assignments.
  7. Ensures legal compliance to make sure all work adheres to state and federal regulations.
  8. Provides malpractice insurance for necessary coverage.
  9. Resolves issues by acting as a mediator for any workplace challenges.

Choosing a Locum Tenens Agency

Check the Agency's Reputation

It's important to know how reliable and established a locum agency is. Look for agencies that have been around for a while and have a good standing in the medical community. This means they're likely to understand your needs better and have a history of successful placements.

Specialization Matters

Find an agency that focuses in your specialty. They'll have a better grasp of what our job involves and can find positions that match our specific skills and interests.

Quality of Hospitals and Clinics

You want to work in good facilities, right? Check what kinds of hospitals and clinics the agency works with. This will give you an idea of where you might be placed and the work environment there.

Variety and Availability of Assignments

Look for an agency that offers a wide range of job options – different types of contracts, locations, and time commitments. This flexibility can really help you find a position that fits your lifestyle and career goals.

Pay and Benefits

Make sure the agency offers competitive pay and benefits. This includes not just your salary but also things like travel expenses and housing if you're moving for the job. Good benefits can make a big difference in your overall job satisfaction.

Support Services are Key

A good agency should help you with the paperwork and logistics, like getting your license and credentials in order, and sorting out housing and travel for your assignments. This support can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Clear Communication

Choose an agency that's open about job details and easy to get in touch with. If they're transparent and respond quickly to your questions, it's a good sign that they'll be reliable to work with.

Help with Licensing and Credentialing

The process of getting licensed and credentialed can be tricky. Find an agency that offers help with this so you don't have to deal with it all on your own.

Feedback and Reviews

An agency with a system for feedback from other doctors is a good choice. You can learn a lot from the experiences of others who've worked with the agency.

Malpractice Insurance

Make sure the agency provides good malpractice insurance. It's an essential part of protecting yourself professionally.

Flexible Contract Terms

Look for an agency that's willing to negotiate contract terms. Flexibility here can make your work life a lot easier.

Opportunities for Growth

An agency that offers chances for further training or professional development is a great choice. It shows they care about your career growth.

Cultural Fit

Finally, consider how well the agency's values and approach to work align with yours. You'll be happier in a place that matches your own style and preferences.

List of Locum Tenens Staffing Agencies

Global Medical Staffing

Specializes in international locum tenens placements for physicians, providing opportunities in various countries including Australia, the Caribbean, Canada, Guam, Ireland, and New Zealand. They focus on offering a wide range of locations for doctors seeking international work experiences.

Specialization

CompHealth

Offers locum tenens contracts across the U.S. for physicians, advanced practice providers, allied health practitioners, and healthcare professionals in medical labs, pharmacies, and imaging/radiology departments. CompHealth is also noted for its permanent placement services and comprehensive support through its provider portal​.

Specialization

Medicus Healthcare Solutions

Provides locum tenens and permanent placement opportunities, with a special focus on VA hospitals, Indian Health Service and tribal facilities, Department of Defense facilities, and consulting services for optimized service lines. Medicus caters to a wide range of healthcare professionals, offering diverse opportunities in various clinical settings.

Specialization

Accountable Healthcare Staffing

Recognized for delivering high-quality service in locum tenens staffing, they cater to a wide range of healthcare professionals, ensuring flexible and suitable placements across various medical specialties. Their services are known for being adaptable to the unique needs of both healthcare providers and facilities.

Specialization

Consilium Staffing

A provider of locum tenens staffing services that focuses on matching healthcare professionals with appropriate temporary positions in various medical settings. They offer opportunities for a broad spectrum of medical specialties, ensuring that clinicians find assignments that align with their expertise and preferences.

Specialization

All Star Recruiting

Specializes in providing locum tenens staffing services, catering to a diverse range of medical specialties. They are known for their personalized approach, ensuring that healthcare professionals find assignments that match their skills and career goals.

Specialization

Aya Healthcare

Offers a comprehensive range of locum tenens staffing services for various healthcare professionals, including nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians. Aya Healthcare is known for its extensive network and focus on providing personalized support to clinicians in finding suitable temporary positions.

Specialization

Cross Country Locums

Provides locum tenens staffing services, focusing on a wide array of medical specialties and offering opportunities for healthcare professionals across the healthcare spectrum. They are recognized for their expertise in matching clinicians with appropriate positions and ensuring high-quality service delivery.

Specialization

AMN Healthcare

Offers a broad spectrum of locum tenens opportunities, including telehealth roles, and caters to various medical professionals. AMN Healthcare is known for its innovative approach, utilizing technology like automated Vendor Management Systems to match providers with assignments.

Specialization