Locums Question

[Drdre76]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello Everyone,

I am thinking about trying locums for a little bit. I would like to find out if anyone knows what happens in the following scenario. Lets say I inquire about a permanent position advertised by the hospital/group, but after finding out all the details I decide that I am not interested. Can I apply for the same job as a locum via a locum agency? Is there any conflict? Thank you for the advice.

 

[pgg]

Hello Everyone,

I am thinking about trying locums for a little bit. I would like to find out if anyone knows what happens in the following scenario. Lets say I inquire about a permanent position advertised by the hospital/group, but after finding out all the details I decide that I am not interested. Can I apply for the same job as a locum via a locum agency? Is there any conflict? Thank you for the advice.

If you're already in contact with the hospital or group but just want to do some part time work there, just contract directly with them. Why introduce a third party who'll want a 30%+ cut?

 

[woopedazz]

If you're already in contact with the hospital or group but just want to do some part time work there, just contract directly with them. Why introduce a third party who'll want a 30%+ cut?

Because Hospitals have different budgets for locum vs staff, therefore locums get paid more - even with the agency taking a huge cut. With the obvious downside being job security and benefits.

 

[Mikkel]

Because Hospitals have different budgets for locum vs staff, therefore locums get paid more - even with the agency taking a huge cut. With the obvious downside being job security and benefits.

No, the agency cut actually makes the locum position more expensive for the hospital but no more lucrative for the doc.

I've priced out agency locum jobs. They take their 30-50% cut, and you end up with 1099 money that needs taxes and benefits still. In the end, these positions were underpaying compared to FTE.

Sorry, but the agency route is the completely wrong way to go about this.

 

[Mikkel]

You could ask them directly to do locums, but ask for 50% more and 1099. What's the worst that can happen? They say no?

They might only want FTE, but you could always try asking.

DO NOT DO AGENCY LOCUMS.

 

[pgg]

Because Hospitals have different budgets for locum vs staff, therefore locums get paid more - even with the agency taking a huge cut. With the obvious downside being job security and benefits.

This different pots of money issue isn't universally true. If they need you they'll pay locums+ rates by direct contract.

Liability insurance can be a sticky issue but even then the worst cast is you just pay for your own policy. Part time premiums can be very low depending where you are.

 

[caligas]

This different pots of money issue isn't universally true. If they need you they'll pay locums+ rates by direct contract.

Liability insurance can be a sticky issue but even then the worst cast is you just pay for your own policy. Part time premiums can be very low depending where you are.

Would it be better just to cover your own MM? That way you know you are covered and with a quality product. Negotiate a slightly higher rate since they don’t have to cover you.

 

[Drdre76]

If you're already in contact with the hospital or group but just want to do some part time work there, just contract directly with them. Why introduce a third party who'll want a 30%+ cut?

Lets say there is a permanent position opening but they seem to be understaffed and majority of that workload will fall onto W-2s. From my limited experience I figured out that once I inquire about a permanent position they seem to be reluctant to go 1099 and/or offer locums rates (unresponsive to my inquiry even after inviting me for the interview for a permanent position). Maybe I was just unlucky with a couple of places.

After all it is just one person who is a primary contact and maybe she/he prefers to deal with locums through agencies since money saved by offering locums rates directly to MDs don't land in her/his pocket. There are very few private groups left and majority of contacts are recruiters for the AMCs and some HR person if it is a hospital employed position.

 

[sevoflurane]

Because Hospitals have different budgets for locum vs staff, therefore locums get paid more - even with the agency taking a huge cut. With the obvious downside being job security and benefits.

Doesn't matter. Contract with the hospital directly. Both the hospital and the anesthesiologists will benefit in this scenario.

 

[pgg]

Would it be better just to cover your own MM? That way you know you are covered and with a quality product. Negotiate a slightly higher rate since they don’t have to cover you.

This is what I did when the Navy stationed me in California. I contracted directly with a local group for part time moonlighting work and I paid for my own malpractice policy (under 25% FTE, heavily discounted). I worked there for about 5 years. Kept the policy for a couple years more after they moved me to Virginia and used it under a similar arrangement for a short time. The premium and coverage changed a little.

The only down side is that the tail can be a little costly.

 

[staple]

Would anyone be able to help further explain malpractice insurance for locums assignments? I've been in direct contact with local hospitals (bypassed those locums companies) and they want to know if I carry my own malpractice. Does anyone know if I could get covered under a hospital groups policy or should I buy my own? I will only be doing isolated locums weeks or even just a few days here and there while I pay off student loans. Am I able to get a policy that covers specific dates rather than a year-long policy? Does anyone have any companies they would recommend? This new pp doc appreciates any advice!

 

[Leinie]

Lets say there is a permanent position opening but they seem to be understaffed and majority of that workload will fall onto W-2s. From my limited experience I figured out that once I inquire about a permanent position they seem to be reluctant to go 1099 and/or offer locums rates (unresponsive to my inquiry even after inviting me for the interview for a permanent position). Maybe I was just unlucky with a couple of places.

After all it is just one person who is a primary contact and maybe she/he prefers to deal with locums through agencies since money saved by offering locums rates directly to MDs don't land in her/his pocket. There are very few private groups left and majority of contacts are recruiters for the AMCs and some HR person if it is a hospital employed position.

Probably too late now (if you told them you weren't interested), but telling them you are interested and would like to check it out as a locum first is probably a better way to spin things.

 

[aneftp]

No, the agency cut actually makes the locum position more expensive for the hospital but no more lucrative for the doc.

I've priced out agency locum jobs. They take their 30-50% cut, and you end up with 1099 money that needs taxes and benefits still. In the end, these positions were underpaying compared to FTE.

Sorry, but the agency route is the completely wrong way to go about this.

Incorrect at some hospitals.

depends where the “physician recruitment budget” is coming from

it’s all shady accounting.

just like any budget. If it’s coming from global physician recruitment and not department specific. Hospitals can hide more locums spending for specific specialities. I know. Cause my wife’s grandfather was cfo at one of the big hospitals system in the south.

 

[periopdoc]

So far the Locums companies are offering me better rates for the same job than I can negotiate on my own. I don't know why that is, but it is. Plus, I have a third party to help with any disputes that might arise. I feel like there is more pressure exerted on the independent locus guy to stay a little late, etc, than on the agency guy. Then again, I haven't taken the assignment yet, so my view on it may change after I have

 

[dabears505]

From my experience, via a good locum company I was making the same or better than independent people working locums. Not sure how it worked out that way.

 

[Drdre76]

Thank you everyone for your input. So far I see that opinions vastly differ. I can see both points. It seems like if it is a hospital looking for a coverage, chances are you will get a better deal via locums company, and if it is a private entity, most likely you can negotiate a better deal directly. As aneftp said "it’s all shady accounting" with hospitals.

 

[Mikkel]

From my experience, via a good locum company I was making the same or better than independent people working locums. Not sure how it worked out that way.

Just imagine how much an independent guy would be making if they knew how to negotiate better and didn't let a company take their 50% cut.

 

[Mikkel]

Thank you everyone for your input. So far I see that opinions vastly differ. I can see both points. It seems like if it is a hospital looking for a coverage, chances are you will get a better deal via locums company, and if it is a private entity, most likely you can negotiate a better deal directly. As aneftp said "it’s all shady accounting" with hospitals.

I disagree, I know of one person who negotiated independently and was paid close to 50% more than what the locum company was offering. It was BFE, but still.

 

[AdmiralChz]

Just imagine how much an independent guy would be making if they knew how to negotiate better and didn't let a company take their 50% cut.

I don’t think locums companies are getting 50%.

While on the surface it makes perfect sense to negotiate an assignment on your own, if a company finds out a group is doing that then they will almost certainly stop working with you completely. I know of some nearby groups that had that happen with some CRNAs and they were really in a pinch as no company would talk to them for a while.

 

[chocomorsel]

I don’t think locums companies are getting 50%.

While on the surface it makes perfect sense to negotiate an assignment on your own, if a company finds out a group is doing that then they will almost certainly stop working with you completely. I know of some nearby groups that had that happen with some CRNAs and they were really in a pinch as no company would talk to them for a while.

So what? Why not put an ad out on Gaswork or Indeed? That’s all the locums companies do. Why do we feel the need to have to work with a third-party?

 

[narcotics999]

So far the Locums companies are offering me better rates for the same job than I can negotiate on my own. I don't know why that is, but it is. Plus, I have a third party to help with any disputes that might arise. I feel like there is more pressure exerted on the independent locus guy to stay a little late, etc, than on the agency guy. Then again, I haven't taken the assignment yet, so my view on it may change after I have

What are the good companies?

 

[k12balla]

Average locums rate is about $150-$200/hr depending on what you can negotiate. Facility will usually pay the locums company $250-300/hr. The lower the staffing company can negotiate your rate, the more money for them.

If you negotiate with the hospital on your own, they may or may not be willing to give you closer to the staffing rates, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Staffing companies usually cover lodging, transportation, lodging, and malpractice (occurrence). You may be able to get $250-300/hr on your own negotiating directly, but will likely be on the hook for the above (which all in all is not too bad). Most people are averse to purchasing their own malpractice though, and prefer the convenience of having everything arranged for them.

 

[Mikkel]

Average locums rate is about $150-$200/hr depending on what you can negotiate. Facility will usually pay the locums company $250-300/hr. The lower the can negotiate your rate the more money for them. If you negotiate with the hospital on your own, they may or may not be willing to give you closer to the staffing rates, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Staffing companies usually cover lodging, transportation, lodging, and malpractice (occurrence). You may be able to get $250-300/hr on your own negotiating directly, but will likely be on the hook for the above (which all in all is not too bad).

I know of a specific BFE hospital that was paying $425/hour to a locum company, and the locums guys were paid $250/hour.

Highway robbery.

 

[bobg504]

Average locums rate is about $150-$200/hr depending on what you can negotiate. Facility will usually pay the locums company $250-300/hr. The lower the staffing company can negotiate your rate, the more money for them.

If you negotiate with the hospital on your own, they may or may not be willing to give you closer to the staffing rates, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Staffing companies usually cover lodging, transportation, lodging, and malpractice (occurrence). You may be able to get $250-300/hr on your own negotiating directly, but will likely be on the hook for the above (which all in all is not too bad). Most people are averse to purchasing their own malpractice though, and prefer the convenience of having everything arranged for them.

Regarding the avg hourly rate, this is not true. Sure, this is what is advertised, but many, many people make more. Your rate is dependent on MANY FACTORS, most of all your ability to negotiate. The need for Anesthesiologist in the locums world is pretty high. The supply of Anesthesiologist willing to do locums is pretty low. The issue comes down to negotiation and leverage regardless of if you use an agency vs doing it alone. I just secured an assignment is a reasonable city at $255/hr with no call through an agency.

 

[bobg504]

I know of a specific BFE hospital that was paying $425/hour to a locum company, and the locums guys were paid $250/hour.

Highway robbery.

It really depends on your perspective. Sure, you aren't getting $425/hr, but most people in private practice aren't getting $250/hr for their services. Especially when working with AMCs. Making $250/hr working 7-5p M-F is equivalent to about 500k (assuming 12 wks off). Even at 1099, that is nothing to scoff at. The bottom line is that you need to ask for what you want and negotiate. This is a huge problem for physician.

 

[Mikkel]

Regarding the avg hourly rate, this is not true. Sure, this is what is advertised, but many, many people make more. Your rate is dependent on MANY FACTORS, most of all your ability to negotiate. The need for Anesthesiologist in the locums world is pretty high. The supply of Anesthesiologist willing to do locums is pretty low. The issue comes down to negotiation and leverage regardless of if you use an agency vs doing it alone. I just secured an assignment is a reasonable city at $255/hr with no call through an agency.

No offense, but $255/hr is you getting robbed by the agency.

$489,600 annualized, 1099, no vacation, no retirement. No long term guarantee for employment.

You can make way more than that in private practice, and not have to travel far or be away from family for extended periods.

 

[Mikkel]

It really depends on your perspective. Sure, you aren't getting $425/hr, but most people in private practice aren't getting $250/hr for their services. Especially when working with AMCs. Making $250/hr working 7-5p M-F is equivalent to about 500k (assuming 12 wks off). Even at 1099, that is nothing to scoff at. The bottom line is that you need to ask for what you want and negotiate. This is a huge problem for physician.

AMCs by definition are setup to slice 20-30% off your labor, in perpetuity.

You're doing the same thing, but getting 30-50% taken from you by an agency that doesn't do anything but serve as a middleman.

Private practice, aka getting paid by insurance directly, pays a lot more than what AMCs offer for salary.

 

[bobg504]

No offense, but $255/hr is you getting robbed by the agency.

$489,600 annualized, 1099, no vacation, no retirement. No long term guarantee for employment.

You can make way more than that in private practice, and not have to travel far or be away from family for extended periods.

Your annualized numbers are off. Most locums companies pay hourly based on a guaranteed 10 HR wk day. Working 5 days per week at $255/hr with NO CALL $2550/day, $12750/wk, at 40 wks, that works our to $510k, before expenses and deductions. Again this is with NO CALL. Assuming you structure your business appropriately (LLC taxed as S-corp) and tax plan appropriately, you do well and pay less taxes. Combined with the complete freedom of controlling your schedule and time off, that's not bad.

As someone who works in a busy practice that was bought by an AMC, I can tell you, you make less and have ZERO control over your schedule. With the corporatization of medicine, the ability to find high paid, productivity based jobs is becoming harder, especially if you aren't interest in geographic arbitrage.

It really depends on what's important to you. There are no right or wrong answers.

 

[bobg504]

AMCs by definition are setup to slice 20-30% off your labor, in perpetuity.

You're doing the same thing, but getting 30-50% taken from you by an agency that doesn't do anything but serve as a middleman.

Private practice, aka getting paid by insurance directly, pays a lot more than what AMCs offer for salary.

Dude. I understand exactly what private practice is. I worked in a physician only practice and made tons of money BEFORE it was bought by an AMC and this changed. The days of real private practice jobs are ending sooner than later. They are harder and harder to find in and around major cities.

 

[Mikkel]

Dude. I understand exactly what private practice is. I worked in a physician only practice and made tons of money BEFORE it was bought by an AMC and this changed. The days of real private practice jobs are ending sooner than later. They are harder and harder to find in and around major cities.

Why not just find another private practice and move there? $255/hr for 10hr days, 52 weeks is still only $663,000.

I'm not saying that's pennies, but the locums agency is making $300,000 off your year's commitment...

 

[caligas]

What’s a typical rate for “Beeper” call from, say 3 pm to 7 am, at an average location?

 

[chocomorsel]

No offense, but $255/hr is you getting robbed by the agency.

$489,600 annualized, 1099, no vacation, no retirement. No long term guarantee for employment.

You can make way more than that in private practice, and not have to travel far or be away from family for extended periods.

Have you ever done locums? If so, what kind of rates are you negotiating?
Please school us who seem to be getting robbed.

 

[Mikkel]

Have you ever done locums? If so, what kind of rates are you negotiating?
Please school us who seem to be getting robbed.

See my earlier post. $425/hr in BFE.

No, I didn't take it, because I didn't want to drive 3 hours round-trip every day for a year.

 

[chocomorsel]

See my earlier post. $425/hr in BFE.

No, I didn't take it, because I didn't want to drive 3 hours round-trip every day for a year.

No, you said the agency was getting that money. Not the anesthesiologists. Which one is it? You negotiated all the way from 250 to 425?
Well congrats!! I find it really hard to believe.
Now where in BFE are we talking?

 

[Mikkel]

No, you said the agency was getting that money. Not the anesthesiologists. Which one is it? You negotiated all the way from 250 to 425?
Well congrats!! I find it really hard to believe.
Now where in BFE are we talking?

2.5 hours from a major metro
2 hours from a small regional city.

10,000 population

99% white

 

[chocomorsel]

2.5 hours from a major metro
2 hours from a small regional city.

10,000 population

99% white

That don’t scare me. I locum in >90% White towns all the time!! No problems and I don’t go in it expecting problems.
Even in the Deep South.
I like small towns.
They still looking?
Question is, where are they getting all this money to pay locums companies that much?
Is this one of those affluent towns like Vail?

 

[bobg504]

Why not just find another private practice and move there? $255/hr for 10hr days, 52 weeks is still only $663,000.

I'm not saying that's pennies, but the locums agency is making $300,000 off your year's commitment...

Dude, you have a warped sense of reality to use the word "only" to describe over $600k. Why does it matter to you what the locums company makes? If I can make over 500k, without call, total control over my schedule, and 12 weeks vacation, I honestly wouldn't care about their profits. They make my life simple and easy. Thst comes at a cost. Plus, I DO NOT believe they are paid that much.

 

[Zekchar]

The rates being quoted on here seem a touch out line with what the real world is offering. Having done locums last year and working on getting an assignment again next year, the range was $180-225/hr depending on which state was being considered. Nothing over $250 was out there. $425 seems outrageously high. Perhaps it exists, but a job that is tucked away behind multiple connections and referrals that are not available to the masses doesn't push the needle. Most anesthesiologists looking to do locums will take $180-$225 because that is whats realistically being offered. $425 is the exception. $180-225 is the rule.

 

[chocomorsel]

The rates being quoted on here seem a touch out line with what the real world is offering. Having done locums last year and working on getting an assignment again next year, the range was $180-225/hr depending on which state was being considered. Nothing over $250 was out there. $425 seems outrageously high. Perhaps it exists, but a job that is tucked away behind multiple connections and referrals that are not available to the masses doesn't push the needle. Most anesthesiologists looking to do locums will take $180-$225 because that is whats realistically being offered. $425 is the exception. $180-225 is the rule.

Do not take anything less than $200 an hour. I only do that when there is significant call incentives. We need to stop lowballing ourselves.

 

[Mikkel]

That don’t scare me. I locum in >90% White towns all the time!! No problems and I don’t go in it expecting problems.
Even in the Deep South.
I like small towns.
They still looking?
Question is, where are they getting all this money to pay locums companies that much?
Is this one of those affluent towns like Vail?

No, super rural, super boring, basically impossible to recruit MDs to stay longer than a year, and they absolutely needed coverage to satisfy contractual obligations to physicians they employ directly for vacation coverage and also coverage for ORs.

They needed 1-2 locums MDs for several years until they could recruit someone long term.

The money came from the usual suspects.

Hospital was run by county bureaucrats, not healthcare executives of private corporations.

They're not looking anymore as far as I know since they were finally able to recruit enough MD. Great pay and benefits too, $500k base, 12wks off, full retirement, health, and $$$generous$$$ additional call subsidy.


Barely any internet, no lakes/water sports, no beaches, no culture, no nearby airports, no mountains.


"I plan on doing this for a few years then getting the hell out of here."

 

[Mikkel]

The rates being quoted on here seem a touch out line with what the real world is offering. Having done locums last year and working on getting an assignment again next year, the range was $180-225/hr depending on which state was being considered. Nothing over $250 was out there. $425 seems outrageously high. Perhaps it exists, but a job that is tucked away behind multiple connections and referrals that are not available to the masses doesn't push the needle. Most anesthesiologists looking to do locums will take $180-$225 because that is whats realistically being offered. $425 is the exception. $180-225 is the rule.

$425 was a special circumstance, absolutely.


But, most physicians don't know their true market value.

Like with AMCs, there are enough dumb docs out there that keep these parasites alive.


Agencies are trying to maximize their profit, they'd tell you $150/hr is a great rate, and there's someone dumb/desperate enough out there to fall for it, maybe because they're terrible, maybe because they're coming from academics, maybe because they work for an AMC.

 

[Mikkel]

Dude, you have a warped sense of reality to use the word "only" to describe over $600k. Why does it matter to you what the locums company makes? If I can make over 500k, without call, total control over my schedule, and 12 weeks vacation, I honestly wouldn't care about their profits. They make my life simple and easy. Thst comes at a cost. Plus, I DO NOT believe they are paid that much.

I got out of the AMC game because I didn't want 20-30% of my revenue siphoned off by suits.


Life is easy doing locums for 20 years? No job security? Constant travel? When you can make more doing private practice and also own a house and have roots?


I would look for locums directly. Open up your map app, look for the worst places to live, then call up the hospital and say you're looking for temporary work.

An agency taking 30% of $1 million is way over valuing that "service".

 

[bobg504]

The rates being quoted on here seem a touch out line with what the real world is offering. Having done locums last year and working on getting an assignment again next year, the range was $180-225/hr depending on which state was being considered. Nothing over $250 was out there. $425 seems outrageously high. Perhaps it exists, but a job that is tucked away behind multiple connections and referrals that are not available to the masses doesn't push the needle. Most anesthesiologists looking to do locums will take $180-$225 because that is whats realistically being offered. $425 is the exception. $180-225 is the rule.

I also did locums and will be going full time locums in January. In my search, I've found the range to be $200-$250, with an average around $225 with negotiation. Again, it comes down to your approach. I've found that your ability to get high rates is directly related to your flexibility in location, your time commitment, and simple laws of supply and demand. The jobs are there. The demand for Anesthesiologist in the locums space is really strong. Negotiate.

 

[chocomorsel]

I also did locums and will be going full time locums in January. In my search, I've found the range to be $200-$250, with an average around $225 with negotiation. Again, it comes down to your approach. I've found that your ability to get high rates is directly related to your flexibility in location, your time commitment, and simple laws of supply and demand. The jobs are there. The demand for Anesthesiologist in the locums space is really strong. Negotiate.

Can I ask why you are going full time locums?

 

[Zekchar]

I also did locums and will be going full time locums in January. In my search, I've found the range to be $200-$250, with an average around $225 with negotiation. Again, it comes down to your approach. I've found that your ability to get high rates is directly related to your flexibility in location, your time commitment, and simple laws of supply and demand. The jobs are there. The demand for Anesthesiologist in the locums space is really strong. Negotiate.

I agree that the demand is there, but I will disagree with someone else who posted that we do not know our true value. I agree with negotiating but overall getting $250/hr instead of $225/hr isn't as dramatic a victory as imagined. I recognize that I may have a different opinion than some because I only do locums as a side gig, while having a full-time academic job, but I merely want to dispel the notion that we have hospital admins in desperate (desolate) locations by the balls and if we only get tough at the negotiating table that they will give in to our demands. Perhaps that happens, but it certainly has not been my experience.

 

[Mikkel]

I agree that the demand is there, but I will disagree with someone else who posted that we do not know our true value. I agree with negotiating but overall getting $250/hr instead of $225/hr isn't as dramatic a victory as imagined. I recognize that I may have a different opinion than some because I only do locums as a side gig, while having a full-time academic job, but I merely want to dispel the notion that we have hospital admins in desperate (desolate) locations by the balls and if we only get tough at the negotiating table that they will give in to our demands. Perhaps that happens, but it certainly has not been my experience.

If you're not walking away, you already caved.

If most people cave because they don't know any better, then the corporations win.

Negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness.

 

[bobg504]

Can I ask why you are going full time locums?

Two words: Freedom and Control. The freedom to control my schedule, work on my terms, make good money, and not be beholdened to ASC or oeganizational/workplace politics, the freedom to control my business and structure it to save taxes, also to have time to pursue other interest outside of medicine.

 

[callmeanesthesia]

I’m currently a full time pain doctor but I want to keep my anesthesia skills up and take some call to help pay off my student loans. This would be primarily weekend days so it’s not the same as the locums discussion of usual scheduled cases. They have home call for the ORs or in house call for OB. I’ve read through the above notes but I’m trying to figure out how much I should be asking. I haven’t started negotiations but talked to one of the partners. He told me they pay about $240/hr for case time only for OR call, but I’m not sure if there’s also a base amount per shift, and once you figure in travel to/from when called in, case setup, and PACU care, that starts to feel pretty slim. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

 

[IMGASMD]

I’m currently a full time pain doctor but I want to keep my anesthesia skills up and take some call to help pay off my student loans. This would be primarily weekend days so it’s not the same as the locums discussion of usual scheduled cases. They have home call for the ORs or in house call for OB. I’ve read through the above notes but I’m trying to figure out how much I should be asking. I haven’t started negotiations but talked to one of the partners. He told me they pay about $240/hr for case time only for OR call, but I’m not sure if there’s also a base amount per shift, and once you figure in travel to/from when called in, case setup, and PACU care, that starts to feel pretty slim. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

If you comb through all the threads, not just this one you can probably have a better sense.

In general, people want some kind of beeper call stipend (~1200/24 hours). And guarantee 4 hour minimum when called in. Obviously it depends on how much you value your time, the case load and the opportunity cost for you to keep your skills. Also if you have to carry your own insurance, travel, lodging etc etc.
The other approach is just a flat fee, ~2500-3000 is the last I heard, at a decent suburb.
240/hr is nice, if you have a good balance, but if zero cases and not getting paid, can get old quickly.

 

[deleted50478]

I’m currently a full time pain doctor but I want to keep my anesthesia skills up and take some call to help pay off my student loans. This would be primarily weekend days so it’s not the same as the locums discussion of usual scheduled cases. They have home call for the ORs or in house call for OB. I’ve read through the above notes but I’m trying to figure out how much I should be asking. I haven’t started negotiations but talked to one of the partners. He told me they pay about $240/hr for case time only for OR call, but I’m not sure if there’s also a base amount per shift, and once you figure in travel to/from when called in, case setup, and PACU care, that starts to feel pretty slim. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

case time only sounds like a rip off. If you have several cases back to back you don’t get paid for half an hour during turnover every time? If you are called in the middle of the night for a case ‘asap’ and the surgeon doesn’t show up for an hour you are just sitting there off the clock? If you don’t get called in you gave up your weekend for no money? Sounds terrible.