A growing number of physicians are becoming locum tenens providers at this point. For some, it simplifies the process of transitioning from full-time work to retirement. For others, it’s an effective way to transition from residency to a permanent position. Some physicians turn to locum tenens work to create a better work-life balance whereas others simply enjoy seeing different corners of the country and experiencing different types of work environments.
On the other side of that equation, a growing number of medical facilities are turning to locum tenens providers to fill staffing gaps. Though hiring locum tenens can bring those facilities numerous benefits, finding the right providers to meet medical facilities’ distinct needs and bringing them on board can be challenging and time consuming. Keeping track of their contracts, pay, and other factors can be equally difficult. A VMS built for locum tenens can help streamline the process.
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Automating Job Posting
One of the benefits of using a vendor management system for locum tenens is automating the job-posting process. Posting openings on numerous websites and job boards can be a tedious, drawn-out process in its own right. For medical facilities that need to fill open positions, time is precious. The longer it takes to reach locum tenens providers through various portals, the longer permanent staff members are forced to deal with the added strain of being understaffed, and the more patients suffer as a result. VMSs automatically post job openings to multiple vendors, and they quickly and effectively reach a broad pool of locum tenens providers.
Simplifying the Credentialing Process
Credentialing is another hurdle medical facilities and locum tenens providers must deal with, and it’s often a complicated process. Several factors enter the mix, and single inadvertent oversight can lead to serious repercussions for everyone involved. VMSs store and manage locum tenens providers’ credentials, and they can automatically cross-reference those with national regulations as well as a medical facility’s specific requirements. That helps keep physicians and their employers in compliance and reduces the administrative burden on medical facilities.
Contract Management
VMSs also aid in contract management. They provide a central platform on which to store locum tenens contracts, and they can provide contract templates. They also keep track of any changes made to contracts as well as pay rates, expiration dates, and other important points. Many work with electronic signature platforms and use digital signatures for added security. They provide audit trails and can help manage contracts involving multiple parties as well. They help ensure both locum tenens and their employers remain compliant with their contracts while also saving time and reducing legal risks.
Time and Expense Tracking
Additionally, VMSs offer electronic timesheets for simpler and more accurate time tracking. They can often be integrated with a medical facility’s scheduling system, and they can automatically forward timesheets to the proper administrators for approval. They automatically calculate different pay rates as well, such as regular time, overtime, and on-call and holiday rates. In terms of expense tracking, VMSs may allow locum tenens providers to submit expense reports and receipts through the system. Some can also be modified according to a medical facility’s expense policy so that they automatically reject any expense claims that don’t coincide with those allowed in the policy.
Optimizing the Locum Tenens Process
Vendor management systems can streamline the locum tenens process in many ways. They simplify job posting, credentialing, contract management, and time and expense tracking along with several other factors. VMSs enable both locum tenens providers and the medical facilities that rely on them to make the most of this growing branch of the healthcare sector.