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Hospitals, practices using locum tenens physicians more often

June 4, 2008 — 6:59am ET
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In what some deem a troubling sign that the primary care physician shortage is getting worse, a growing number of hospitals and practices are working through temp agencies to get their staffing needs met. As has always been the case, physicians are choosing the locum tenens option for their own reasons, including the flexibility of not having to maintain their own office, the ability to experiment with different regions and facilities, and the ability to limit how many hours they work.

However, hospitals and medical practices seem to be facing a new squeeze forcing them to change their habits. According to a survey by doctor temp-agency Staff Care, spending on temp doctors across the U.S. has more than doubled since 2001, and the number of days worked by physicians as temps has grown by 20 percent between 2006 and 2007 alone. Observers say a growing demand for primary care physicians is helping to fuel this boom.

To learn more about this trend:
- read this Chicago Tribune piece

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Comments (3) | Post a comment

Comments

By Howard | Posted 1:20pm | June 5, 2008

Also a convenient way for a less than competent physician (or even worse, an incompetent physician - yes, they are around) - to move thru the medical system without being dealt with appropriately.

By Rocky | Posted 3:38am | November 5, 2008

I have to agree with you. Especially when it comes to Emergency Departments and Doctors working as Hospitalists. I don't care for Hospitalists as they are doctors who basically cover for your own doctor if you are hospitalized. They know little about your case, can often be abrupt and often undermedicate you, especially when your Pain Management Physician is at a different hospital than my contracted hospital.

By the time any damage is done, these "temops" have usually left your medical group or hospital, so it's just another patient complaining about something.

By Challenged | Posted 3:02am | December 18, 2008

After 20 odd years handling MD resources, this is a troubling trend. Getting the real scoop on a locums can be near-impossible. Then, after all the investigating, you learn on day 1 or 2 why they are working as a locums -- for all the reasons noted. Behavior, competency, etc.

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