Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Delta Locum Tenens different from other agencies?
2. I work full time.  Can I still practice locums?
3. How do I get started?
4. Can I work with more than one locum tenens agency?
5. How am I compensated?
6. Who pays for malpractice, travel and accommodations?
7. What is the travel process?
8. How many points of contacts will I have with your agency?
9. What is NALTO?
10. Why is it important to explain gaps in my CV?
11. What if I have a Visa requirement?
12. Do I need board certification?
13. What states do you offer assignments in?
14. Am I an employee or an independent contractor?
15. Can my friends, family or pets travel with me?
16. What if I need help after hours?
    
17. What is the minimum length for assignments?
    
18. Do you offer permanent placements?
    
19. I am interested in an opportunity, but I am not licensed in that state.  Can you help?
    
20. How long does licensure take?

What makes Delta Locum Tenens different from other agencies?

1. First, instead of working with multiple recruiters, you’ll be given one point of contact.  We develop a better working relationship with you, and you won’t receive calls from multiple recruiters from our agency presenting different opportunities.  At times, you may also be in contact with someone in our licensure, privileging and/or travel departments, but your recruiter will always be your “go-to” person.  In addition, since we forward all calls to our mobile phones after hours, everyone is always available to help you 24/7.
2. We have open-ended rate contracts with our clients, so we are willing to present you at the rate you require.
3. You will be paid via direct deposit on a weekly basis.

I work full time.  Can I still practice locums?  Absolutely.  Many client facilities have sporadic needs for as little as one day or one weekend.  We will work with your schedule.

How do I get started?  First, we need about ten minutes of your time over the phone.  Once we identify your requirements, we will provide you with a locum tenens application that typically takes about one hour to complete, and we can help walk you through it.  As soon as we receive it, we can begin presenting you with practice opportunities that meet your parameters.  If you agree to be presented for a particular assignment, we will contact the client facility with your information.  We do not submit your CV to client facilities without your permission. 

Can I work with more than one locum tenens agency?  Yes.  As an independent contractor, your employment is “at-will” so you can pick and choose which assignments you want, through which agency you want.  However, if multiple locum tenens agencies present you with the same assignment, you will need to accept the assignment through the agency that presented it to you first.

How am I compensated?  You will be paid via direct deposit on a weekly basis.  Depending on your specialty and type of job, you will be compensated on an hourly or daily basis with additional compensation if you’re taking call in the evenings or weekends.  Since you are an independent contractor, we do not deduct taxes from your compensation.  You are responsible for the payment of taxes due on income you earn through Delta Locum Tenens.

Who pays for malpractice, travel and accommodations?  We arrange malpractice, travel and accommodations with the client facility and you will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses.

What is the travel process?  We will work with you and your requirements throughout the process.  You will receive a detailed packet with all the information you will need before you leave, including your flight itinerary, rental car and hotel information with confirmation numbers and check in/check out dates.  We also provide driving directions from the airport to your hotel, and from your hotel to the client facility.  You will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses, except gratuities. 

How many points of contacts will I have with your agency?  Unlike other locum tenens agencies, you will work with only one recruiter who will be your main point of contact.  He or she will present you with potential practice opportunities and, when the time comes, arrange travel, licensure and privileging.  Sometimes, you may be in contact with a member of our licensure, privileging or travel departments, but your recruiter will always be your main point of contact.  Every employee at Delta Locum Tenens forwards calls to their mobile phones after hours, so you will always have help any time you need it.

What is NALTO?  NALTO is the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations and acts as a “governing body” for member companies.  NALTO organizations adhere to established ethics and guidelines.  Delta Locum Tenens is a member of NALTO, and several members of our organization sit on NALTO leadership committees. 

Why is it important to explain gaps in my CV?  Client facilities may question gaps in your CV, so it is a good idea to make them aware of your activities over your entire career.

What if I have a Visa requirement?  As a general rule, we are able to work with H1-V Visas if you can obtain a lawyer’s letter stating that you are legally able to work in the United States as an independent contractor.  There may be other requirements, and each situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need board certification?  Board certification is not required to work as a locum tenens physician, although most client facilities do request board certified candidates. 

What states do you offer assignments in?  We represent opportunities in all states except for Kansas, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Am I an employee or an independent contractor?  As a locum tenens physician, you are an independent contractor.  You are free to pick and choose which assignments you accept, and through which locum tenens agency.  You are also responsible for the payment of taxes due for income earned through Delta Locum Tenens.

Can my friends, family or pets travel with me?  In short, yes.  Typically, if you let us know up front, we will make the client facility aware that this is a requirement for you.  We will work with the client to arrange appropriate travel and lodging on a case-by-case basis.

What if I need help after hours?  Everyone at Delta Locum Tenens is available 24/7; we forward all calls to our mobile phones when we are not in the office.  It is in our best interest to serve you in a timely manner.

What is the minimum length for assignments?  We do not have any set limits; we represent opportunities for as little as one day in some circumstances. 

Do you offer permanent placements?  Our sister companies, Delta Physician Placement and Liquid Medical Recruiting, place physicians in permanent positions nationwide.  Occasionally, a locum tenens opportunity may develop into a permanent position if it is the right fit.

I am interested in an opportunity, but I am not licensed in that state.  Can you help?  Absolutely.  Our licensure department specializes in expediting this process.  We will help you fill out the paperwork and follow-up with the licensing board of that state.  Depending on the need and length of commitment, some client facilities may cover the cost of your licensure in that state.

How long does licensure take?  The timeframe for licensure varies widely from state to state, ranging from as little as one week to as long as four months.  However, we are experts at expediting the process and we can help obtain your license as quickly as possible.