I came across a white paper the other day published by Huron Consulting Group, which lists 10 areas hospitals and health systems often overlook that could lead to performance improvement and cost savings. 
I was encouraged to see that one of the items on the list was “Staffing to Demand”. Indeed, many healthcare organizations lack a flexible staffing solution that allows them to increase or reduce staffing levels to match demand. As the white paper says, “Many providers do not have tools or infrastructure in place to closely manage staffing on a real-time basis.” The authors also note that a high level of discipline is required to create a full benefit. While it may be true that most healthcare organizations do not have the internal resources needed to efficiently adjust staffing levels to meet demand, they can certainly work with a locum tenens agency to help address their staffing challenges. Healthcare systems and hospitals that work with a great locum tenens agency see them as an extension of their own organization. However not all locum tenens agencies are equal. If you decide locum tenens is a viable solution for your organization, make sure you select an agency that will make your life easier, not harder. When selecting a locum tenens agency, hospital and health systems should look for the following services to ensure a positive experience.
I was encouraged to see that one of the items on the list was “Staffing to Demand”. Indeed, many healthcare organizations lack a flexible staffing solution that allows them to increase or reduce staffing levels to match demand. As the white paper says, “Many providers do not have tools or infrastructure in place to closely manage staffing on a real-time basis.” The authors also note that a high level of discipline is required to create a full benefit. While it may be true that most healthcare organizations do not have the internal resources needed to efficiently adjust staffing levels to meet demand, they can certainly work with a locum tenens agency to help address their staffing challenges. Healthcare systems and hospitals that work with a great locum tenens agency see them as an extension of their own organization. However not all locum tenens agencies are equal. If you decide locum tenens is a viable solution for your organization, make sure you select an agency that will make your life easier, not harder. When selecting a locum tenens agency, hospital and health systems should look for the following services to ensure a positive experience.
- Quality providers. Only work with locum tenens agencies that take the time recruit the best locums and complete thorough reference checks of each of the providers they work with. This will give you piece of mind that the locum you are using is top-notch without having to spend hours sifting through CVs.
- Experienced credentialing and licensing teams. Locum tenens agencies that have a team of professionals that handle all the credentialing and licensing paperwork are worth their weight in gold. People in those roles know what documents are needed to get a locum in your organization as quickly as possible. Some will even fill out the necessary forms, so all you need to do is review and sign them.
- Travel coordinators. Chances are your locum isn’t going to be from the area. Travel coordinators put together comprehensive travel itineraries, complete with rental cars and accommodations, so your locum arrives safely at your organization ready to work.
- Ongoing support. Your relationship with a locum tenens agency shouldn’t end once the physician or NP arrives at your door. If issues arise, you should feel confident that you can contact any member of the support team for any reason throughout the assignment.
At Barton Associates, we are proud to offer the best support staff in the industry. So if you are in the market for locum tenens, let us be a part of your team!
