“Usually, we increase our coverage by day or by hour as trends dictate. Many times, our own doctors will pick up extra shifts, but we also employ part-time doctors, who may also be snowbirds themselves. I’ve been talking to more of those doctors who are getting really sick of cold weather and looking at ways to change their lifestyle. Some emergency medicine doctors have work that allows them to be almost semi-retired and contract part-time in warmer climates. Also, many more doctors are calling me, saying they wouldn’t mind taking shifts in the winter, or downsizing their shifts and coming to Florida.”
Many top healthcare organizations have established relationships with locum tenens companies so they can quickly bring on additional physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners when unforeseen staffing needs arise. Such preparation reduces patient wait times, alleviates overextending current staff, and reduces the risk of medical errors. For more information on how locum tenens can assist your organization this winter, please visit Barton Associates’ Hospital, Practices, and Companies section.