Locum tenens work has become an increasingly popular option for healthcare professionals seeking flexibility, diverse experiences, and the opportunity to work in various healthcare settings.

From higher pay rates to reduced administrative burdens, many doctors find this career path appealing, but, like any job, it comes with its own set of challenges.

In this article, we’ll answer common questions about locum tenens, explore its benefits and drawbacks, and explain how the process works for those considering this unique approach to healthcare.

What is locum tenens?

Locum tenens is a term used to describe a medical professional who temporarily fills in for another doctor or healthcare provider, typically when there’s a staffing shortage or during a physician’s leave. Locum tenens positions can either be local or in another area in the country.

Are locum tenens independent contractors?

Most locum tenens doctors work as independent contractors and use 1099 tax forms to report their income. This means these doctors must pay quarterly taxes and find and manage their own health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits given to employees.

What are the benefits of working as a locum tenens provider?

Flexibility & Freedom

One of the most attractive aspects of locum tenens work is the flexibility it offers. Healthcare providers can choose when and where they want to work. The ability to customize location and schedule can allow doctors to travel, spend more time with family, or take a break from a demanding full-time role.

Competitive Pay

Locum tenens positions are often paid higher rates than traditional employed positions. This is because temporary staffing needs usually require healthcare facilities to offer competitive compensation to attract qualified professionals. For those looking to boost their income, working locum tenens could be a great financial decision.

Diverse Work Environments

Locum tenens assignments place doctors in different healthcare settings, giving them the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of medical practices, work with diverse patient populations, and understand healthcare differences in various geographic locations. This experience can be especially valuable for young doctors, allowing them to explore different work environments and locations before committing to a permanent position.

Reduced Administrative Burden

Unlike full-time doctors who often juggle administrative tasks alongside their patient care responsibilities, locum tenens doctors typically focus solely on clinical duties. This reduction in paperwork and bureaucracy allows doctors to spend more time on their patients.

Work-Life Balance

Doctors often experience burnout due to long hours and the demands of the job. According to a 2024 report from Medscape, 49% of physicians report feeling burned out, and 20% reported being depressed. The top reported reasons for burnout were too many bureaucratic tasks, too many working hours, and lack of respect from administrators, employers, and colleagues.

Locum tenens work can offer a change of pace by allowing doctors to have downtime between assignments. This flexibility can improve work-life balance, which can benefit long-term career satisfaction.

What are the challenges of working as a locum tenens provider?

Job Security & Stress

Because locum tenens assignments are temporary, doctors in these roles often don’t have the same level of job security as those in full-time employment. In addition, constantly adjusting to new workplaces, colleagues, and systems can be stressful for some doctors.

Patient Relationships

Locum tenens roles often prevent building long-term relationships with patients because time in each role can be limited. Many doctors value the bonds they build with their patients. In a Medscape report, when asked about the best things about being a doctor, more than half of the quoted physicians mentioned some aspect of long-term patient care and relationship building.

How does locum tenens work?

Locum tenens jobs are typically arranged through agencies, which handle the logistics of matching providers with assignments, assisting with licensing, credentialing, and malpractice insurance, and arranging travel and housing when necessary.

Understanding your locum tenens contract

If you are thinking of taking the leap in locum tenens work, don’t approach it alone. This may be your first locum tenens contract or your first contract at all, so you may not be sure what to look for before signing.

Panacea Legal’s experienced contract attorneys can help you ensure your compensation and terms are fair. Learn more about contract review from Panacea Legal today!