The Locum Tenens Glossary: 5 Terms and Definitions You Need to Know
Are you new to the locum tenens industry? If so, you may be wondering what all of the terminologies mean. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we will define five terms that are commonly used in the locum tenens world. By understanding these terms, you will be able to communicate more effectively with your recruiter and make better decisions about your career. So let’s get started!
Locum Tenens Provider
A locum tenens provider is a healthcare professional who provides short-term medical coverage for an organization or facility. This could mean providing coverage in the event that a regular provider is unavailable or on vacation, or it could mean filling temporary staffing gaps while a permanent provider is sought.
Locum tenens providers can come from any field of medicine, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, and more.
Assignment
An assignment is a term used to describe a locum tenens job. Assignments can be full-time or part-time, temporary or permanent, and involve any type of medical service. The length of an assignment can vary greatly depending on the needs of the organization or facility.
Match
A “match” is when a locum tenens provider and organization or facility are paired up for an assignment. This pairing is done through a recruiting agency, which will work to find the perfect match based on the provider’s skillset and experience and the organization’s needs.
1099
A 1099 contractor is a type of independent contractor who is paid on a 1099 basis. This means that they are not an employee of the organization or facility hiring them, but rather independent contractors. As such, 1099 contractors are responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and other benefits associated with traditional employment. Locum tenens providers are classified as 1099.
Credentialing
Credentialing is the process of verifying that a healthcare provider meets all of the requirements to practice in a given state. This typically includes providing photocopies of licenses, certifications, malpractice insurance, and other documents to prove they are qualified. Credentialing can take several weeks or months depending on the state and type of provider.
By understanding these five terms, you will be better equipped to navigate the locum tenens industry. If there are any other terms or definitions that you need help with, don’t hesitate to reach out to your recruiter for assistance.
