LOCUMS anesthesia agencies, the good, the bad and the ugly

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GassYous said:
Where else do you pay tens of thousands of dollars for something you found yourself online

They even make it hard to find the most desirable places by keeping secret databases and contacting one another for their "best" clients. It's a total scam.
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I got to submit a claim for the NAR settlement. I sold my house in 2021. I asked to negotiate the commission, I was told while yes it was negotiable, it was not for me by 3 agents, and it had to be 3% for each agent.

The house I just bought I found because my friend lives next door, and he gave me a leg up in the market, but there were still agents involved. And actually, the seller turned down a cash no inspection (likely PE) offer for mine.
 
Status Sciaticus said:
To my knowledge, name clearing is not a thing as you are describing. Just because I work with one locums agency, doesnt mean i am bound to them. However, I cannot use another locums agency when I am re-applying or looking to extend my time at a particular job or site. If I work in WA as locums, they dont own my NPI and prevent me from working in another city or state. They can however prevent me from working at that locums assignment with another agency.
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That's my understanding
 
coffeebythelake said:
Yes I've heard stories about Medicus being very aggressive and threatening to docs trying to adjust or get out of their shifts. I think a lot of the direct contact recruiters are Medicus are young and inexperienced, but they are overseen by managers who are absolute turds.
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It is all true... the will even engage their higher ups to close the deal but they are made from the same poop
 
dizzy21 said:
They will block you for a year from using other agencies at unrelated sites. They have these handshake agreements with other agencies. I would avoid. They didn’t disclose this to me and I thought it was shady
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A highly illegal practice. Hopefully the new law passes that eliminates non-competes, oddly CA is the only state that protects physicians from a lot of this nonsense.
 
I was blocked from all Envision sites because I applied for a job in 2015, and I was still on their list. I finally figured it out, but it took a very long time. Part of figuring it out was getting random recruiting emails from Envision, and one person told me how they got my email. I hadn't applied through locums, but Envision blocked me from doing locums with them anywhere else. I avoid Envision entirely now.
 
Envision rates for locums are trash anyway. Was told by an agent they don’t negotiate. The offer was for 330\hr. That is about the same as a W2 full time position at a lot of locations. After hearing that rate I cut the conversation off.
 
lotsapain said:
A highly illegal practice. Hopefully the new law passes that eliminates non-competes, oddly CA is the only state that protects physicians from a lot of this nonsense.
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That was already blocked by a federal court in Texas. It will likely be more permanently blocked in August.
 
dizzy21 said:
They will block you for a year from using other agencies at unrelated sites. They have these handshake agreements with other agencies. I would avoid. They didn’t disclose this to me and I thought it was shady
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This sounds highly illegal. They can’t do that. How did they do that? Was it in fine print?
 
Ashers said:
I was blocked from all Envision sites because I applied for a job in 2015, and I was still on their list. I finally figured it out, but it took a very long time. Part of figuring it out was getting random recruiting emails from Envision, and one person told me how they got my email. I hadn't applied through locums, but Envision blocked me from doing locums with them anywhere else. I avoid Envision entirely now.
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So how did you find out you were blocked? As in when your name didn't clear and you couldn’t figure out why? Why not just call the hospital and ask?
In any case Envision (terrible company) has its own staffing agency on can go thru.
 
makemoney2024 said:
So how did you find out you were blocked? As in when your name didn't clear and you couldn’t figure out why? Why not just call the hospital and ask?
In any case Envision (terrible company) has its own staffing agency on can go thru.
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My name wouldn't clear. Envision wouldn't tell the company why. They said I must've worked for an Envision company in the last 2 years, but I had definitely not. But every 6 months, I'd get recruiting emails from Envision, and I, eventually, asked how they got my email because I was tired of the same person emailing me, and I had asked her to stop. It was from a list made of people who had previously applied for jobs and were in their system. I applied to work at Banner at the University of Arizona right after Banner took over (but I ran from that even though I love UofA) -- THEN Envision took over down there. So I didn't even technically apply for an Envision job, but I was in their database.
 
Ashers said:
My name wouldn't clear. Envision wouldn't tell the company why. They said I must've worked for an Envision company in the last 2 years, but I had definitely not. But every 6 months, I'd get recruiting emails from Envision, and I, eventually, asked how they got my email because I was tired of the same person emailing me, and I had asked her to stop. It was from a list made of people who had previously applied for jobs and were in their system. I applied to work at Banner at the University of Arizona right after Banner took over (but I ran from that even though I love UofA) -- THEN Envision took over down there. So I didn't even technically apply for an Envision job, but I was in their database.
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This sounds so illegal and so wrong. Have worked with Envision and thankfully no issues. But they are all scum.
 
For this locums job in the South from the same locums agency, I was offered this year 1099 $275/hr from one recruiter then 5 months later for the same job offered $325/hr from another recruiter with the same agency, then called again for the same job from another recruiter in the agency for the same job now saying "lucrative" pay but not saying how much. I looked up this agency's website and the 2 prior recruiters who I spoke with are no longer there, in less than 1 year. So 3 recruiters for the same job with the same agency in less than 8 months. It's amazing the turnover in these locums agencies. These recruiters are salespeople, trying out a new job or a new college grad trying to get their foot in the door. Most of the locums Gaswork ads if you notice are mass blast ads for multiple states from a few recruiters who pay for ads on Gaswork to cast a wide net, fishing for someone to take the bait. They just want your name, phone, e-mail and CV so that they can claim that they own you and that you work for their agency once you give up your info. It's so shady. I wish these hospitals would just post their own ads to cut out the middlemen but dumb hospital administrators only want to deal with these middlemen instead of the locums doctors directly.
 
Just noticed a listing in Ohio on gasworks for a doc at $300/hr 1099 saying it was a “great opportunity”!! Has the job market firmed up that much!!! Say it ain’t so Elvis!!!
 
Beach bum said:
Just noticed a listing in Ohio on gasworks for a doc at $300/hr 1099 saying it was a “great opportunity”!! Has the job market firmed up that much!!! Say it ain’t so Elvis!!!
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Tightening up QUICKLY. Glory days coming to an end....
 
NicholasPavona said:
Tightening up QUICKLY. Glory days coming to an end....
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Whew…..glad I took advantage of the locums market these last 4 years. Now I won’t feel obligated to compete with all these Johnny come lately’s. For all those who were trashing us locum guys for sacrificing lifestyle for $, you’ll see what it’s like to see the employment market swing the other way. Mid-level creep, lower income, longer hours. No thanks.
 
Locums agents low-ball. I don't know if the locums market is tightening up overall or not, but some regions are probably tighter than others. I doubt Ohio would be a tight market given that it's not a desirable place to live in general.
 
Yes, that’s their starting rate. You always negotiate higher. And also the flights, rental car, hotels, etc. You never take the advertised rate. If the final rate isn’t enough, you walk.
 
I want to update this thread by listing 3 more locums companies I've dealt with. I took an employment offer, albeit a short stint, from one of them.

ConnectHealth - total clowns. Would tell you about an offer, then completely ghost you if you dare respond. Rates offered are laughable. They must be a subsidiary of AMN/Staffcare given their behavior.

SUMO Staffing - I actually gave these clowns my resume. They abruptly closed one assignment the moment I gave my resume. They offered me another assignment for which I agreed to be presented. They called me a few days afterwards and said client is highly interested. Then crickets. Ghosted. They will offer you a high rate to entice you to talk to them.

Prolocums - I went on an assignment for them, but job got cut short by the client. No explanation given. Rates are ok. My final check from them was only received after reminding them at 3 weeks. It came a week later. They are a really small company run by a cardiologist. In the contract they offer you, you agree to not be paid until they get paid. This can be a serious problem if this small company goes under. Doesn't seem they have any urgency in paying you.
 
Burned_Out said:
I want to update this thread by listing 3 more locums companies I've dealt with. I took an employment offer, albeit a short stint, from one of them.

ConnectHealth - total clowns. Would tell you about an offer, then completely ghost you if you dare respond. Rates offered are laughable. They must be a subsidiary of AMN/Staffcare given their behavior.

SUMO Staffing - I actually gave these clowns my resume. They abruptly closed one assignment the moment I gave my resume. They offered me another assignment for which I agreed to be presented. They called me a few days afterwards and said client is highly interested. Then crickets. Ghosted. They will offer you a high rate to entice you to talk to them.

Prolocums - I went on an assignment for them, but job got cut short by the client. No explanation given. Rates are ok. My final check from them was only received after reminding them at 3 weeks. It came a week later. They are a really small company run by a cardiologist. In the contract they offer you, you agree to not be paid until they get paid. This can be a serious problem if this small company goes under. Doesn't seem they have any urgency in paying you.
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I was emailing with my rep at comp health and said I am getting so many unsolicited phone calls and emails from companies I've never heard of. She said that they had a meeting where they were told there are over 350 locums companies, but only 15 are the big names.
 
Guillemot said:
Locums agents low-ball. I don't know if the locums market is tightening up overall or not, but some regions are probably tighter than others. I doubt Ohio would be a tight market given that it's not a desirable place to live in general.
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Workload matters more to me. I don’t chase the highest rates

I chase the highest billable hours with the least amount of work. Billing 140 hrs a week at $375/hr flat rate (inside or outside the hospital) is way more effective than trying to get $450hr for 60 hrs (7a-7p) 5 days a week.

As for Ohio. It’s a big state. Ur rates will vary depending on location. My friend was making 50k a week around the I-70 interstate area in Ohio (I’m being very vague on purpose) not to disclose the area.
 
Beach bum said:
Just noticed a listing in Ohio on gasworks for a doc at $300/hr 1099 saying it was a “great opportunity”!! Has the job market firmed up that much!!! Say it ain’t so Elvis!!!
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Not indicative of the current market, don't know anyone working for less than $350/hr. In Ohio, I would expect $450+
 
mostwanted said:
Not indicative of the current market, don't know anyone working for less than $350/hr. In Ohio, I would expect $450+
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I do. I just got a locums gig to raise my rate to $300 after being at $275 for 2.5y.

My local jobs that I do as 1099 pay way less (they pay low CRNA rates, and one sucks the life out of me), but I was dumb and bought a disaster of a house before a good locums job fell through (because I refuse to do OB), so I'm trying to find more jobs in the area of my house.
 
Burned_Out said:
Pgg, you’re here to trash us locums guys again.
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Not at all.

I've done lots of locums. The lifestyle just isn't for me any more.

Years ago "locums" had a real stink to it, because most people doing it couldn't hold down a regular job for one reason or another. The last few years, with the market being so great, that changed.

It's the best way to make the most money right now. And, you guys doing locums and squeezing the hospitals are doing all of us a great service by raising the floor of our pay, too.

You're doing God's work stickin' it to them 🙂 and I'm not even being sarcastic.
 
Ashers said:
I do. I just got a locums gig to raise my rate to $300 after being at $275 for 2.5y.

My local jobs that I do as 1099 pay way less (they pay low CRNA rates, and one sucks the life out of me), but I was dumb and bought a disaster of a house before a good locums job fell through (because I refuse to do OB), so I'm trying to find more jobs in the area of my house.
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You’re being vastly underpaid. Give them 30 days notice unless they raise your rate to 375/hr. That should be the minimum these days.
 
centdoc said:
I'm thinking of contacting Howard Sloan for an advertised locums gig. How has Jamie been good to work with?
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Jamie was nice, but his supporting staff was incompetent. My gig with him ultimately fell through after months of credentialing because he didn't listen to my work situation, over promised his client weeks that I could work, then the client refused to book even a single week if I didn't commit to like 11 weeks of assignments (including holidays). They didn't reimburse me any of the licensing/credentialing money bc I technically didn't do work with them.
 
DolphinVA said:
Jamie was nice, but his supporting staff was incompetent. My gig with him ultimately fell through after months of credentialing because he didn't listen to my work situation, over promised his client weeks that I could work, then the client refused to book even a single week if I didn't commit to like 11 weeks of assignments (including holidays). They didn't reimburse me any of the licensing/credentialing money bc I technically didn't do work with them.
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🤡 show
 
centdoc said:
I'm thinking of contacting Howard Sloan for an advertised locums gig. How has Jamie been good to work with?
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I worked with Howard Sloan pretty heavily. I didn’t have another gig so I could work a lot of hours. Paychecks always on time and what they should be, no issues with rates etc. YMMV.
 
Mehd School said:
Avoid MPLT. Very vague terms in the contract that they will use to their advantage. They pay you quickly, but my pay has been incorrect 1/3 of the time. They simply don't seem to have their **** together. I did a week assignement at a location in December and in march they were still sending me paperwork to complete.
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Has this changed?
 
anyone with recent experience with the following:

Aya Locums
 
ak_ps said:
anyone with recent experience with the following:

Aya Locums
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Coffee PRN said:
Low rates from what I’ve seen. Never personally worked with them.
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Aya is the largest locums staffing agency in the US, which comes along with the largest overhead which comes out of your hourly rate.
 
Fusion locums company is a bunch of clowns. My side kick sends me screenshots of their offers.

When they are consistently lower than other offers at the same facilities. It’s pretty bad.

I usually stick with the names like dy staffing (team health wholly owned subsidiary), and the usual LT.com, comp health, alliance, envoy/anesthesia on call, heath health trust , flex/edgeford, odyssey is ok meh mid whatever you want to rate them.

Honestly I don’t really care. I just usually like prn 1099 deals. Occasionally sign hard 2 weeks per month deal but it’s gotta be under my terms (none of this 4-5 days (8 hrs a day crap). I’d rather just be per diem 1099 if they wanna have me work 8 hrs.
 
Status Sciaticus said:
Aya is the largest locums staffing agency in the US, which comes along with the largest overhead which comes out of your hourly rate.
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I've never worked with Aya, but I liked the rep that I had until he died suddenly last year. I had actually met him in person. Their posted rates are low. I had job that I was going to do, and my rep got my rate to be higher than what was posted, but it fell through because the site changed the job description right before I was supposed to start, but I never signed a contract because it was a new site, and they were "working things out". This was over 2 years ago. I was annoyed because I kept asking for the contract because we were in 30 days, and then I had to scramble for one of my other jobs that wanted 2 months notice.

I do see a lot of travel nurses wearing Aya scrubs.
 
aneftp said:
Fusion locums company is a bunch of clowns. My side kick sends me screenshots of their offers.

When they are consistently lower than other offers at the same facilities. It’s pretty bad.

I usually stick with the names like dy staffing (team health wholly owned subsidiary), and the usual LT.com, comp health, alliance, envoy/anesthesia on call, heath health trust , flex/edgeford, odyssey is ok meh mid whatever you want to rate them.

Honestly I don’t really care. I just usually like prn 1099 deals. Occasionally sign hard 2 weeks per month deal but it’s gotta be under my terms (none of this 4-5 days (8 hrs a day crap). I’d rather just be per diem 1099 if they wanna have me work 8 hrs.
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what has your experience with comp health been like?
 
Burned_Out said:
My experience has been low rates.
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Agreed.

They also screwed up a DEA (transferred it to a different state after I canceled a job that I was supposed to do when a license wasn't done in time, but 3 days before I was supposed to be in the former state, when the license finally got approved), didn't listen to me when I said a license wasn't going to be ready in time, and when I called their credentialing team, they said I "was not their priority, the people who started in a week were." I was monitoring the licensing status and trying to stay on top of things.

I got really mad at the poor communication. I basically told them I'd do the one job I like with them but no more.
 
Ashers said:
Agreed.

They also screwed up a DEA (transferred it to a different state after I canceled a job that I was supposed to do when a license wasn't done in time, but 3 days before I was supposed to be in the former state, when the license finally got approved), didn't listen to me when I said a license wasn't going to be ready in time, and when I called their credentialing team, they said I "was not their priority, the people who started in a week were." I was monitoring the licensing status and trying to stay on top of things.

I got really mad at the poor communication. I basically told them I'd do the one job I like with them but no more.
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Can’t you have two different DEA licenses? Instead of transferring them? I know it can get expensive to maintain 2 or 3.
 
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