The Benefits Of Hiring A Locum Tenens Stroke Doctor

Strokes are common and serious medical emergencies. Patients suffering from a stroke and stroke risk factors require vascular neurology treatment. Neurologists have extensive knowledge in the specialized treatment of strokes. Unfortunately, vascular neurologists are few. Medical hospitals can fill their staffing gap for a stroke doctor using locum tenens. This article highlights the value of engaging a locum tenens stroke doctor. 

What Is Locum Tenens? 

Locum tenens (locum) is a medical staffing arrangement that allows a physician to work on a temporal basis in a workplace or practice other than their own. Doctors working on a locum tenens basis are trained, experienced, and licensed physicians. Most are contracted by companies that sub-contracts locum services to medical facilities. 

Below are some of the reasons why medical facilities consider hiring a stroke doctor on locum: 

Access to a pool of specialist

Medical facilities can access a vast collection of physicians through locum programs. Finding and retaining specialized doctors like neurologist is complex given their numbers and high demand for their services. For example, small practices have to compete with larger hospitals to recruit stroke doctors. Medical facilities looking for specialists can narrow down the search to locum companies. The companies maintain a list of locum doctors to contract. 

Reduced staffing costs

It is rare for a hospital to have a sufficient number of doctors, given the cost implications. A contracting hospital can save money by engaging a locum doctor. Firstly, the doctors are often prequalified by locum companies meaning they can work straight away. Secondly, a hospital can hire locum doctors on a need basis to manage costs. Lastly, the services of a locum doctor would be affordable compared to a resident doctor. For example, there are no benefits beyond the service fees. 

Filling staffing needs

Staffing needs vary across medical facilities based on the size of the facility and seasons. Locum doctors work on a temporary basis. Thus, hospitals can plan for staffing needs on an ongoing basis. For instance, a locum stroke doctor can provide treatment services when the resident neurologist is on leave. Also, a hospital can supplement its physicians during peak seasons.

Support for geographically dispersed facilities 

The locum practice developed as a program to meet the medical needs of geographically dispersed areas. Medical hospitals in rural and geographically isolated regions may struggle to attract and retain specialist doctors permanently. Such a facility can use case management in a way that fits the schedule of a locum physician. For example, the facility can contract a stroke doctor during the neural diseases clinic days. 

To learn more about how to hire a locum tenens stroke doctor in your facility, contact a local staffing agency.