Contractor Status

Contractor status offers increased flexibility and control over your schedule.

The first thing to know is that locum tenens clinicians are independent contractors and file taxes differently than as a W-2 employee. As a contractor, you are considered self-employed by the IRS. Some locum tenens providers form a business entity to receive payments, but many operate as sole proprietors. We encourage you to consult a professional to choose the best option for you.

As an independent contractor, you also won’t earn income when you aren’t working. However, you control your availability, when and how long you take time off, and even the length of your relationship with the facility. You also have control over which assignments to accept (and which to turn down). You can have more negotiating power as a locum tenens, as well. Locums can also be a good way to test a facility before committing to a permanent employee role.

Financial Health

Scheduling flexibility and control are among the greatest lifestyle benefits for locums providers.

A common fear is that there won’t be enough assignments or that you’ll be let go from your contract earlier than planned.

While COVID-19 showed us just about anything is possible, the truth is that most specialties are in high enough demand around the U.S. to offer year-round opportunities. And if you’re game for a rural location, an under-served community, or a hard-hit area, you’ll always have opportunities at your fingertips.

The best part? You can decline any opportunity that doesn’t fit your goals. That’s true freedom.

That means you’ll want to set aside money each month to pay for your taxes, which are usually done quarterly to the IRS and your state. Taxes can be confusing to navigate depending on your financial picture, so we strongly suggest you consult a qualified tax professional to understand the ins and outs of being an independent contractor.

Locum tenens clinicians also need to obtain their own health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance unless they have access through a spouse or partner’s employer-subsidized plan. There’s no employer match for your retirement plan, either, but part of what makes being a contractor so flexible is that you can put as much toward your retirement as you want instead of being limited by an employer’s plan.

For those who have access to health insurance through a spouse’s plan, you will gain an even greater financial benefit, as you aren’t paying for benefits you won’t be using. That increased cash can go toward your financial goals instead.

Navigating New Systems

If you choose to work locum tenens as a career, you get to explore new locations and different ways of working.

Of course, that means you’re likely to encounter different operational procedures and technology, too. You’ll need patience, the willingness to ask questions, and adaptability. Not everyone is comfortable with being the “new kid on the block”, so evaluate how you’ll feel in this type of situation.

The flip side is that locum tenens have drastically reduced administrative work. When you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day business of the facility, you can concentrate on patient care. Get back to practicing medicine and on your terms.

That's why we pride ourselves on our concierge approach. For us, we do this work because it's personal. We are all-in to improve healthcare, and that starts with clinicians having a better support system around them. We take care of everything we possibly can for you so you can focus on providing patient care. We'll schedule your vacation, fill out that form (or 20 forms), and help you navigate the new community around your assignment. When you're taken care of, you'll do your best work for others. And that's why we're here. We are your staff-your A-team. And your locums concierge. We'll surround you with the exact support you desire. Nothing less.