Physician FAQs
General Locum Tenens
MDA Locum Tenens
What does the term "locum tenens" mean?
"Locum Tenens" is a Latin phrase which loosely translates to mean "to hold a place." A locum tenens physician is one who temporarily fills in for another physician while they are out on vacation or maternity leave, professional training, etc.
The term is now often expanded to mean a provider who is filling any gap in a medical staff, whether:
- temporarily filling in for another.
- filling a vacancy until a permanent healthcare professional is hired.
- assisting with seasonal coverage needs.
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What are some of the advantages of locum tenens vs. permanent practice?
Working as a locum tenens healthcare professional with Medical Doctor Associates offers a greater level of choice and control in your career path. Additionally, in some specialties, locum tenens providers can actually make more money than they could in traditional private practice.
Physicians doing locum tenens work are able to concentrate on patient care and avoid much of the paperwork associated with traditional practice. In contrast, physicians working in private practice must deal daily with the challenges of administrative and management issues, including office politics, professional liability and other overhead expenses.
Locum tenens offers residents the opportunity to earn additional income, improve their skills, experience different parts of the country, gain clinical experience and network with other physicians, all while searching for the right permanent opportunity. Locum tenens allows you (and your spouse) the opportunity to experience different types of practices (solo, group, managed care, etc.) and live in different geographical regions.
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I just retired from my practice; is locum tenens a fit for me?
Many providers who step back from the rigors of a busy day-to-day practice still enjoy practicing medicine on a limited basis. Locum tenens allows you to control your schedule and choose the times and places to practice. It allows you the freedom to do what you enjoy – practice medicine – without the administrative issues of running an office.
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Can I bring my spouse and/or children with me while fulfilling a locum tenens contract?
Yes. A good reason for choosing to work as a locum tenens before going into a permanent practice is so your family can experience the community before moving. Bringing your family along while you provide coverage isn't a problem, but each opportunity has its own parameters, and it is best to speak with your consultant to determine the best scenario for traveling with your family.
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How much control will I have over the location of my locum tenens assignments?
It’s all up to you. Freedom of choice and flexibility are the real attractions of locum tenens. The more flexible you are about where you will work, the more opportunities we can present for your consideration. However, it is not uncommon for a locum tenens healthcare professional restrict himself/herself to working exclusively in one state or region.
As a locum tenens physician or provider, you are an independent contractor and are completely free to determine the direction of your career – how often you work, where you work and how long you work.
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How long do locum tenens contracts last?
Locum tenens contracts range in length from just a few days to in excess of a year. Contract lengths vary as much as the reasons why facilities need locum tenens coverage. The specialty in which you practice greatly influences the average contract length.
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How long has MDA been in the industry?
Medical Doctor Associates began in 1987 as a locum tenens staffing company in Atlanta, GA. Today our corporate office is still in Atlanta. We also have additional offices in Dallas and Denver and numerous satellite locations throughout the United States. Today, MDA is part of the Cross Country Healthcare family of companies, which provide a full spectrum of medical staffing solutions.
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What is MDA’s “Single Contact Service” and why is it important?
We value relationships and believe in personal responsibility, which is why we offer Single Contact Service. Your consultant is your single point of contact at MDA. He/she will oversee all aspects of each assignment opportunity and will strive to ensure a positive experience from start to finish.
Our Single Contact Service just makes your life a little easier – only one person to talk to for all of your needs! Most locum tenens companies have as many as 5 separate people to handle your assignments: a marketer, a recruiter, a travel agent, someone who handles your payments and another person who handles any problems that arise while you are providing coverage.
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If I accept a locum tenens opportunity through MDA, will my professional liability insurance be provided?
Yes. MDA is the largest national, multi-specialty locum tenens company to offer occurrence form medical liability insurance. Occurrence form is the best and most comprehensive form of medical liability insurance because it covers claims arising from an incident that occurs during the active period of the policy, regardless of when the claim is filed.
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Who is MDA's insurance provider?
MDA offers occurrence form professional liability insurance provided by The Medical Protective Company, the first insurance company to write professional liability insurance in 1899. The Medical Protective Company has successfully resolved over 200,000 cases and has an industry best 92% win rate at trial. The combination of their wealth of experience writing professional liability insurance, their claims professionals' high level of expertise, their strong record defending physicians against malpractice claims and their financial strength made the The Medical Protective Company the obvious choice to be MDA's insurance carrier.
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Does MDA provide employment benefits to locum tenens healthcare professionals?
No. While there are many advantages to working in locum tenens, you are an independent contractor and are not eligible for benefits. Being an independent contractor also means taxes are not withheld you will receive a 1099.
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How does MDA pay contracted locum tenens workers?
Locum tenens physicians or healthcare providers are independent contractors and competitive compensation is typically based on hourly shifts or daily terms. Providers are paid weekly; medical liability, travel and lodging expenses are covered as needed. As an independent contractor, taxes are not withdrawn and you will file a 1099.
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Am I responsible for my own travel and housing for each locum tenens contract?
It depends on the client’s needs and your preferences, but generally no unless otherwise agreed. MDA will arrange for all your travel and housing and the costs will be paid by the facility where you will provide services, except in situations where the locum tenens provider lives locally. Your staffing consultant arranges your travel and housing through our in-house Travel and Housing Department.
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I am interested in working locum tenens with MDA. How do I get started?
Learn more about our locum tenens process here or call us at 1-800-780-3500. Ask to speak to a consultant representing your specialty or geographic area. He/she will take the time to get to know you in order to match you with opportunities that fit your personal and career goals. When they find an opportunity they think would be a good fit, they will contact you with the details. It’s completely up to you to decide which opportunities to take. Once you have decided to accept a contract, your consultant will arrange for your travel, rental car and housing.
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Resident FAQs
Can MDA help me find a permanent position upon completion of my residency?
Yes. MDA's sister company Cejka Search is a leading firm in permanent physician staffing with national opportunities.
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Can I moonlight as a locum tenens physician during residency?
Yes, when the right conditions exist. Locum tenens offers residents the opportunity to earn additional income, improve their skills, experience different parts of the country, gain clinical experience and network with other physicians, all while searching for the right permanent opportunity. Locum tenens allows you (and your spouse) the opportunity to experience different types of practices (solo, group, managed care, etc.) and live in different geographical regions.
You will need to find out answers to the following questions:
- Does your program allow residents to moonlight?
- Does the hospital where you wish to work allow residents in your specialty to moonlight?
- Who will provide the professional liability insurance?
You must qualify coverage under our occurrence form professional liability insurance policy to contract with MDA. Please contact a consultant for more information
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I am interested in working locum tenens with MDA. How do I get started?
Residents should contact residents@mdainc.com. Your consultant will take the time to get to know you in order to match you with opportunities that fit your personal and career goals. When they find an opportunity they think would be a good fit, they will contact you with the details. It’s completely up to you to decide which opportunities to take. Once you have decided to accept a contract, your consultant will arrange for your travel, rental car and housing.
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