FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is locum tenens?
A. The term locum tenens is Latin for “holding one’s place”. A locum tenens company, such as Barton Associates, recruits and places physicians on temporary assignments (short and long term) at medical facilities and practices across the country.
Learn more about locum tenens physician jobs.
Q. Why work as a locum tenens physician?
A. Physicians choose to work as locums for many reasons, including excellent pay, flexibility to work where and when they choose, and the ability to gain experience in a variety of practice areas and settings.
Learn more about working as a locum tenens physician.
Q. Where does Barton Associates place locum tenens physicians?
A. Barton Associates is a growing national locum tenens staffing and recruiting firm. With multiple offices and a staff of over 115, we’re able to place locum physicians throughout the U.S. in all medical specialties.
Q. How long is the typical locum tenens job?
A. Locum tenens positions can range from just a few shifts to up to a year or more in duration, depending on the needs of the locum doctor and the healthcare facility or practice.
Q. What types of physicians does Barton Associates place?
A. Barton Associates has the resources needed to help locum tenens physicians find locum jobs in all practice areas.
Learn more about our locum tenens medical specialties.
Q. What is the process for obtaining a locum job through Barton Associates?
A. We value your time and work hard to make the process of finding a locum job as easy as possible for our physicians. There is no required application to complete to get started and we provide industry leading support throughout the process.
Learn more about our locum tenens recruiting process.
Q. Does Barton Associates provide support during the credentialing process?
A. Absolutely. At Barton Associates, one of our most valuable assets is our experienced licensing and credentialing team. We’ll complete applications on your behalf for your review and approval, track down any references and other information needed, and work with the facility to ensure everything is taken care of prior to your start date.
Learn more about our locum tenens credentialing support.
Q. Does Barton Associates help locum physicians obtain new state licenses?
A. Yes. We’re committed to helping our doctors maximize their potential. One of the best ways to do so is to open new doors by obtaining new state licenses. We're excited to announce that Barton Associates can pay new state license fees for you and assign an experienced licensing and credentialing expert to help you navigate the licensing process.
Learn more about our new license assistance program.
Q. Can I work as a locum physician if I’m a resident or fellow?
A. Yes, you can. Working as a locum tenens physician is a great way to gain valuable experience and enhance your CV.
Learn more about locum tenens for residents and fellows.
Q. Can I work with Barton Associates if I’m already working with another agency?
A. Yes, you can work with Barton Associates even if you’re already working with another locum tenens company.
Q. Does Barton Associates offer permanent placement services?
A. No. Barton Associates focuses exclusively on locum tenens staffing and recruiting.
Q. How are locum physicians compensated?
A. Locum tenens jobs through Barton Associates offer highly competitive pay based on location and medical specialty. Locum tenens doctors are paid as independent contractors on a net 15 basis at a rate agreed upon prior to accepting the locum job.
Since locums are independent contractors, Barton does not withhold taxes from paychecks. Working as an independent contractor may offer tax advantages, such as the ability to deduct certain expenses and healthcare insurance premiums. We cannot provide tax advice and encourage you to contact your tax advisor for more information regarding working as an independent contractor.
Q. Are travel related expenses covered?
A. Generally, yes. Travel related expenses (such as airfare, lodging, and car rental) are typically covered and all travel arrangements are coordinated by our experienced travel team.
Q. Is medical malpractice insurance provided by Barton Associates?
A. Yes. Barton Associates provides ‘A’ rated medical malpractice insurance for all of its locum tenens physicians free of charge, and will also assist you with enrollment in patient compensation funds if required by the state in which you practice.
Learn more about our medical malpractice coverage for locum tenens physicians.
Q. Are locum tenens physicians employees or independent contractors?
A. Locum tenens physicians are independent contractors (this is the industry standard). Working as an independent contractor may offer tax advantages, such as the ability to deduct certain expenses and healthcare insurance premiums. We cannot provide tax advice and encourage you to contact your tax advisor for more information regarding working as an independent contractor.
Q. Will I receive health benefits while on assignment?
A. As independent contractors, locum tenens physicians are not eligible for medical benefits through Barton Associates (this is the industry standard). However, as an independent contractor, health insurance premiums may be deductible. Contact your tax advisor for more information regarding working as an independent contractor.