Our primary care is…
Primary care has long been a cornerstone of the US healthcare system, but some significant challenges threaten its stability. In this edition of Locums CME, see what can be done to support PCPs.
Also: What providers should consider before signing on with a locums agency, more pediatric surgeons are interested in locums, tips providers can use to better understand their malpractice coverage; declining reimbursements for CRNA procedures could limit the ability of rural facilities, alarming stats every physician should be concerned about, and more.
Continue your locums education with Locums CME 39 below!
Locums Physicians Alleviate Primary Care Challenges and Enhance Healthcare Delivery
August 20, 2024 | Medical Economics
Primary care is the cornerstone of the US healthcare system, but significant challenges threaten its stability. Declining reimbursement rates, administrative burdens, and a shortage of primary care providers are exacerbating burnout among physicians and compromising the quality of care. The growing demand for primary care, driven by an aging population and chronic diseases, further heightens these pressures.
To build sustainable medical facilities, the focus should be on supporting PCPs by:
- Streamlining administrative processes and investing in technological advancements
- Bridging gaps in patient care by addressing provider shortages
- Meeting the diverse and growing needs of an aging population
- Offering flexible appointment options, including concierge and telehealth services
Locum tenens providers are essential to these efforts, bringing fresh perspectives and much-needed relief to strained primary care practices. By alleviating the burden on permanent staff, locums can enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery and ensure high-quality, patient-centered care and the long-term viability of the healthcare system.
Your Locums Prescription
5 Things to Think About When Choosing a Locums Agency
August 9, 2024 | CompHealth
Choosing to work locum tenens offers exceptional job flexibility, allowing professionals to choose everything from their locations to schedules. The first step to a successful locums experience starts by choosing the right agency, which significantly influences the opportunities a provider is presented.
Carefully consider these five factors is when evaluating which agency to choose:
- Communication and Reliability: Look for an agency with a dependable recruiter who communicates effectively. The quality of this relationship varies for each provider, so finding a recruiter who aligns with their personal needs and expectations is essential.
- Compensation Structure: Investigate how different agencies structure their pay. Larger agencies often have higher overhead costs, which affects compensation, while smaller agencies offer higher pay per assignment. Additionally, understand whether the agency classifies locums as 1099 contractors or W-2 employees, which impacts benefits and tax obligations.
- Job Availability: Choose an agency that provides diverse job options. A robust selection indicates the agency’s strong connections with healthcare facilities and ensures a steady stream of opportunities.
- Licensing Assistance: Select an agency that offers licensing support. Many assignments require specific state licenses, and agencies that assist with or cover these costs can significantly enhance your chances of securing the job.
- Championing Provider Interests: Ensure the agency prioritizes the interests of its providers. Understand how the agency offers support through conflicts or issues with healthcare facilities.
By evaluating agencies based on these factors, a locum professional can maximize the advantages of locum tenens work and ensure they have a rewarding and successful experience.
Rising Interest in Locums Among Pediatric Surgeons: Key Considerations for a Successful Transition
August 22, 2024 | LocumTenens.com
A significant number of attendees at this year’s American Pediatric Surgery Association conference shared that they are involved in locum tenens work. About 20% reported recent locum experience, indicating that more pediatric surgeons are being drawn to these roles for their competitive salaries and flexible schedules. About 44% said they work locum tenens to supplement their income, and by taking on these extra shifts, they help address the shortage of pediatric surgeons by filling gaps in care at various healthcare facilities. This trend highlights the changing preferences of pediatric surgeons and the increasing interest from healthcare facilities in utilizing their expertise.
Most pediatric surgeons interested in locums work pursue assignments by working with an agency, so their first conversation about an opportunity will be with their recruiter. At the conference, it was suggested that before accepting a position, they also talk directly with the facility contact to understand the following:
- Types of cases, including if trauma is expected
- Available support and resources, from staffing to equipment
- Facility expectations for different patient care situations
Pediatric surgeons exploring locum opportunities must thoroughly understand potential assignments to ensure a good fit. By asking detailed questions about patient care processes and facility protocols, locum surgeons can make informed decisions and find roles that align with their professional goals and preferences. This approach helps them maximize the benefits of locum tenens work while contributing to high-quality patient care and personal job satisfaction.
Benefits of RV Living for Locums and Tips for Making the Most of It
August 20, 2024 | All Star Healthcare Solutions
Living in an RV offers a unique solution for locum tenens providers seeking to combine professional flexibility with a sense of adventure.
Here are just a few benefits:
- Home is wherever you are. Just like people with a permanent position, you too can return to the same home space, no matter how often your environment changes.
- You have more room for family and guests. With an RV, you have your own bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor space, so it may be easier to include family or host guests than it would be with a hotel room or other shared rental.
- You’re always ready for the next opportunity. There’s no need to pack and unpack between trips.
- You can more easily extend a stay. Without hotel or rental reservations to consider, you can extend your time in an area for personal or professional reasons.
- You can save on everyday transportation. An RV can tow a personal vehicle for commuting once you’re on-site.
If you’re a locum tenens provider looking to make the most of an RV lifestyle, consider the following ideas:
- Talk with your recruiter about your plans; they may have ideas and assistance and can connect you with other locums also traveling by RV.
- Join a warehouse club for discounts on supplies, including fuel.
- Use RV-specific trip-planning apps and join an online RV club for community and tips.
Embracing RV living as part of your locum career can significantly enhance your flexibility and comfort. With support from your recruiter and the RV community, your RV can be more than just a vehicle—it can be a home that supports your career while allowing you to enjoy the freedom and adventure that comes with locum work.
Essential Malpractice Insurance Questions Every Locums Physician Should Ask Before Signing with an Agency
August 22, 2024 | Hayes Locums
Understanding the details of your malpractice insurance is critical when considering signing a contract with a locums agency. Proactively evaluating the insurance coverage provided by an agency can protect locums from potential legal and financial issues down the line.
The following are questions to consider about risk management and coverage specifics.
- Does the agency have a risk management team to support their locums providers with insurance and legal counsel?
- Does the agency offer medical occurrence-based malpractice insurance? This type of policy means there’s coverage even if a claim is made after the assignment has ended.
- Does the policy cover defense expenses in addition to the indemnity limit? Without this, defense expenses alone could eat up the full coverage.
- Does the insurance company holding the policy have an A.M. Best rating of at least an A for its financial strength? Does it handle claims internally or outsource them?
Thoroughly vetting an agency’s malpractice insurance and the company that holds the policy helps locum physicians be well-prepared for potential issues. Addressing these questions upfront helps to avoid unexpected complications, freeing providers to deliver excellent patient care without unnecessary concern about legal and financial risks.
Physician Wellness Retreat
AMA’s Focus on Physician Well-Being: Advocacy, Recognition, and Support
August 19, 2024 | American Medical Association
With physician burnout pervasive across fields, the American Medical Association has made improving physician well-being one of its key priorities. Current topics of focus include the following:
- Lobbying for the reduction of the administrative burdens that disrupt patient care and increase physician work hours
- Promoting professional fulfillment through the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program
- Pushing for state and federal regulatory and legislative funding and other support around the mental health needs of physicians.
Physicians can follow the AMA’s progress by checking out the regularly updated report on its advocacy efforts and resources, such as its CME and podcast.
Facility-Level Strategies to Alleviate the Administrative Burdens on Physicians
August 13, 2024 | American Medical Association
Physicians have reported being burdened by administrative tasks outside of regular work hours for years. The American Medical Association reports that physicians in emergency medicine work more than 53 hours per week, those in family medicine nearly 56 hours, OB/GYN physicians 59 hours, and those in hospital medicine more than 67 hours per week.
To combat this, medical facilities are implementing strategies to reduce administrative burdens and improve physician well-being.
One effective approach has been the creation of the documentation specialist role, where a medical assistant records patient interactions, allowing physicians to focus on care. Additionally, facilities are encouraging physicians to share best practices in EHR management and educating them on time-based billing, which reduces the need for extensive note documentation. AI tools are also being introduced to draft patient portal messages and other documentation, further lightening the administrative load.
For locum tenens providers, understanding how a facility manages these tasks is crucial when choosing new assignments. Facilities that actively work to reduce administrative burdens are better equipped to support physician well-being, ultimately enhancing patient care and fostering a healthier work environment.
Working Locums Can Help Physicians Avoid Burnout
August 22, 2024 | Barton Associates
Physician burnout often stems from being overworked, losing motivation, and feeling stuck in a routine. Working locum tenens can be an effective way for physicians to avoid these pitfalls before they take hold. Locum assignments offer flexibility, with built-in breaks between jobs that can be customized to fit each provider’s personal needs. Physicians have the freedom to choose assignments that match their preferred schedules, giving them greater control over their work-life balance.
Beyond flexibility, locum work is often deeply rewarding. Many of the facilities that need locums are dealing with staff shortages or work in underserved communities. By stepping in, locum physicians provide crucial support where it’s most needed, making their work especially meaningful.
Additionally, a change of scenery—whether it’s moving to a new state or simply working in a different environment—helps bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy. This shift can reignite a physician’s passion for medicine, leading to greater job satisfaction and improved well-being. Embracing locum work helps physicians maintain their enthusiasm for the field while enhancing their overall quality of life and patient care.
Doctor’s Notes
Rural Anesthesia Shortages Drive Demand for CRNAs and Face Reimbursement Challenges
August 21, 2024 | Becker’s ASC Review
A shortage of permanent anesthesia physicians has significantly impacted rural communities. In response, many healthcare facilities rely on CRNAs, who now make up more than 80% of rural anesthesia providers and administer more than 50 million anesthetics annually.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology is concerned by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s recent announcement that they plan to reduce reimbursement for CRNA procedures to 85% of the physician fee, a move that could severely limit the ability of rural facilities to attract and retain essential anesthesia providers. The changes, which are set to take effect November 1, include additional limitations on reimbursement for emergency services provided with an add-on CPT code.
Surges in Costs and Practice Consolidation Push Physicians Away from Private Practice
August 12, 2024, and August 15, 2024 | Becker’s ASC Review
Being a private practice physician has become increasingly difficult due to factors like malpractice suits, administrative burdens, declining reimbursement rates, and rising supply costs. Recent data shows that nearly 80% of physicians are now employed by corporate health entities, reflecting a challenging landscape for those in private practice.
Between 2019 and 2021, over 100,000 physicians left private practice for employment opportunities, driven by practice consolidations and acquisitions. Only 15% of new physicians are choosing to open their own practice, which is particularly concerning for rural communities where private practice has traditionally been prevalent. Rising costs and declining reimbursements further discourage physicians from pursuing private practice. For instance, medical and surgical supply costs increased by 82% from 2022 to 2023, while Medicaid reimbursement has dropped by 29% since 2001 when adjusted for inflation.
These challenges highlight the value of flexible work arrangements like locum tenens, which allow physicians to maintain greater control over their schedules and work environments. By opting for locum work, physicians can better navigate these industry pressures while maintaining a fulfilling and balanced career.
Physicians Now Liable Under New Information-Blocking Rules: Locum Tenens Must Stay Vigilant on Compliance
August 16, 2024 | American Medical Association
Information-blocking rules now extend to individual physicians, not just electronic health record developers and health information networks. Under a new Medicare ruling, physicians can face penalties for knowingly blocking access to or use of nonexempt electronic health information. For locum tenens physicians, this means staying informed about each facility’s specific requirements and being diligent about compliance.
Physicians should review policies and procedures related to accessing, exchanging, and using electronic health information to ensure they comply with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s regulations, as well as related federal and state laws. It’s also important to discuss how records and documents are created and retained to meet these standards. Additionally, physicians should consult with their agency about available legal counsel in case of an investigation.
Adhering to these standards can improve patient satisfaction and streamline practice, making managing patient data and maintaining high-quality care easier.
