Travel Tips For Locum Tenens

Community health centers play a critical role in providing healthcare to underserved populations across the United States. Despite their importance, these centers often struggle with staffing challenges due to high patient demand and limited resources. While some administrators may view locum providers as a costly option, strategically employing them can lead to substantial long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial expense. This article aims to discuss how locum jobs for providers can boost efficiency in community health centers.

The Challenges Faced by Community Health Centers

Community health centers serve as a lifeline for many, offering essential primary and preventive care to a diverse patient population, including those who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers, these facilities now serve 1 in 11 Americans. This significant patient load has grown rapidly over recent years, expanding the scope of services these centers must provide. Unfortunately, funding and resources have not kept pace with this demand, leading to considerable recruitment and retention challenges.

The demanding schedules and limited support often deter permanent clinicians, and the current labor shortage only exacerbates these difficulties. As a result, many centers are understaffed, which can negatively impact the continuity of patient care and increase the likelihood of staff burnout, creating a vicious cycle that further strains the facility's operations.

The Long-Term Benefits of Locum Providers

Although the upfront cost of locum physicians may seem prohibitive, the long-term advantages they offer can be transformative for community health centers. Locum providers can fill critical staffing gaps via locum job search, ensuring that patient care remains consistent and uninterrupted. This continuity is vital for maintaining high standards of care and patient satisfaction, which are essential for better health outcomes and a stable patient base.

Moreover, locum providers help alleviate the workload of permanent staff, reducing burnout and improving overall morale. This support leads to higher job satisfaction, which in turn reduces turnover rates—a significant benefit given the challenges in recruiting permanent clinicians. With locum handling day-to-day patient care, permanent staff can focus on essential administrative and follow-up tasks, thereby enhancing the overall operational efficiency of the facility.

Addressing Pain Points with Locum Providers

Locum practitioners offer several key benefits that directly address the pain points commonly faced by community health centers:

1. Continuity of Care: Locum providers ensure that patients receive uninterrupted care, which is critical for maintaining trust and health outcomes. This consistency is especially important in community health centers, where patients may already face significant barriers to accessing care.
2. Reduced Burnout: By sharing the workload, locum providers help alleviate stress and reduce the risk of burnout among permanent staff. This improvement in working conditions not only enhances locum job satisfaction but also contributes to better retention rates.
3. Operational Efficiency: The presence of locum providers allows permanent staff to focus on crucial administrative tasks, improving the overall efficiency of the health center’s operations. This division of labor ensures that all aspects of the facility’s functions are managed effectively.
4. Support in Provider Enrollment and Billing: Many locum agencies offer expertise in credentialing and billing, helping community health centers navigate the complexities of reimbursement processes. This support ensures that centers can maximize their revenue streams and maintain financial stability.

More Than Just Staffing: ProLocums’ Comprehensive Support

At ProLocums, we understand that community health centers need more than just temporary staffing solutions via locum job search. We provide comprehensive support services tailored to the specific needs of these facilities, including provider enrollment, staff scheduling, and data-driven decision-making. Our team closely assesses the unique circumstances of each client, developing customized strategies that enhance care delivery while taking into account the available resources.

In conclusion, while the initial investment in locum providers may seem high, the long-term benefits—such as improved patient care continuity, reduced staff burnout, and enhanced operational efficiency—make it a worthwhile consideration for community health centers aiming to boost their efficiency and effectiveness.

So, avoid further delays. Get in touch with ProLocums today!

Nearly a decade ago, doctors embraced locum career opportunities, exploring various aspects of their lifestyles. Since then, the healthcare industry's reliance on locum workers has grown significantly. Today, 94% of healthcare employers report utilizing locum professionals, a sharp increase from 74% just five years ago.

This shift in demand has brought about a change in perceptions. Once viewed as a fallback for physicians unable to secure permanent positions, locum roles are now highly coveted. As the Nevada Daily Mail reports, “Today, such positions are becoming coveted, attracting high-quality physicians.”

As the need for locum doctors, dentists, and clinicians continues to grow, so do the career opportunities within this field. Whether you prefer traveling, moonlighting, or seeking alternative work environments, the type of locum physician job you choose can reveal a lot about your professional identity.

The 7 Types of Locum Professionals

1. The Traveler

For those with a love for adventure, locum work offers the perfect blend of career and travel. Whether you want to spend winters on the West Coast and summers on the East or explore new states, locum professionals are needed across the country. From Maine to California, Texas to Minnesota, and Florida to Washington, opportunities abound. Partnering with ProLocums means that the state licensing process is handled for you, and travel and housing costs are covered, making it easier to focus on your work while exploring new places.

2. The Moonlighter

Locum work has become a popular option for physicians looking to supplement their income. Whether it’s to pay down medical school debt or achieve other financial goals, moonlighting through a locum can be a lucrative and flexible option. As highlighted in our original article, these professionals often use their off-hours or extended vacation time to earn extra income, experiment with new practice styles, or explore different locations.

3. The Alternative Seeker

For some, locum work is a way to escape the challenges of traditional medical practice. From bureaucratic headaches and reimbursement hassles to malpractice concerns and stress, the demands of independent practice can be overwhelming. Locum offers an alternative that allows professionals to achieve a better work-life balance. This option is increasingly attractive to those who want to continue practicing medicine without the burdens associated with a permanent position.

4. The Test Driver

New physicians, residents, and fellows often find locum physician jobs to be an ideal way to explore different career paths before making a permanent decision. By taking on short-term assignments in various settings, they can gain valuable experience and insight into different practice environments. This approach allows them to test the waters and determine what type of employment suits them best, without the long-term commitment.

5. The Sunset Seeker

As experienced healthcare professionals approach the end of their careers, many choose to transition into locum work. This allows them to continue seeing patients and earning income on a more flexible, often part-time schedule. Some of these professionals may have previously retired but have returned to work through locum, attracted by the flexibility and the opportunity to remain active in their field. For many, locum is a fulfilling way to cap off a long and successful career.

6. The Transitional Professional

Locum jobs online can be a convenient option for healthcare professionals who are between long-term commitments. This category includes residents looking to gain experience before settling into a permanent role, as well as mid-career professionals considering a career change. By taking on shorter-term locum positions, they can maintain their skills and income while exploring new opportunities and figuring out their next steps.

7. The Country Doctor

A new breed of country doctors is emerging through locum work. Rural healthcare facilities have a growing need for locum professionals and this type of work appeals to those who want to make a meaningful impact in local communities. For healthcare professionals who are passionate about serving underserved areas, locum work in rural settings is an opportunity to provide essential care where it’s needed most.

Final Thoughts

No matter what drives you to pursue locum work—whether it's travel, financial goals, or a desire for flexibility—you’ll find that the opportunities are as varied as the professionals who seek them. With ProLocums, you can be confident that you’ll always find the best locum jobs online and the most supportive recruiters in the business.

Discover more about the locum lifestyle with us. Connect with ProLocums today!

At ProLocums, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all way to organize partnerships with hospitals, and the same applies to our relationship with the physicians we hire to care for patients.

Whether you are employed and receiving a W-2 or are an independent contractor physician receiving a 1099 depends on various factors including specialty and role. Most physicians have been W-2 employees at some point, so they inherently understand this model. The independent contractor (IC) model is a little more foreign to many, so it is important to understand the pros and cons of this tax status.

Transitioning from an employed model to being an independent contractor physician (ICP), or starting your career as an independent contractor, presents a variety of often bewildering questions. One of the first is likely about the difference between forming an LLC and an S Corp.

Choosing the right business structure is a complicated question that depends on your state, personal financial goals, and family needs. To help physicians navigate these choices, we've teamed up with DocWealth.io, which specializes in providing CPA services for 1099 physicians to maximize their earnings. Consulting with a professional like DocWealth.io can help you come up with a plan that fits your particular situation and needs.

In this article, we will discuss why being a 1099 physician is the best option and explore whether you should form an S Corp or an LLC to maximize your financial benefits.

Understanding the Difference Between an LLC and an S Corp

When deciding between forming an LLC or an S Corp as a 1099 physician, it's crucial to understand the distinctions and benefits of each structure.

S Corporation (S Corp): An S Corp, or S corporation, is a type of business entity that offers the advantage of pass-through taxation. This means that the company's profits and losses are passed directly to the individual owners, who report them on their personal income tax returns. This structure helps avoid the double taxation commonly associated with traditional C corporations. Owners of an S Corp can also save on self-employment taxes, as they can take a reasonable salary and distribute remaining profits as dividends, which are typically taxed at a lower rate. [not subject to additional self employment taxes.]

Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC, or limited liability company, blends the benefits of a corporation with the flexibility of a partnership or sole proprietorship. LLCs are relatively easy to establish and operate, offering significant flexibility in how they are taxed and how profits and losses are allocated among the owners. The members of an LLC are not personally liable for the company's debts and obligations, providing a layer of personal asset protection. Profits can be distributed among one or more members, making it a versatile choice for many business owners.

Contrary to popular belief, the primary purpose of forming an LLC for physicians is not necessarily to shield from liability, but to create an opportunity to save money through electing S Corp taxation.

How Does an LLC Help Lower Your Tax Bill? An LLC can choose to be taxed as an S Corp, allowing the business owner to take advantage of pass-through taxation while also potentially reducing self-employment taxes. By electing S Corp status, the physician can receive a portion of their income as a salary (subject to payroll taxes) and the remaining as a distribution (not subject to self-employment tax), leading to overall tax savings.

The Best of Both Worlds: An LLC Taxed as an S Corp

Many independent contractor physicians opt to form an LLC for its ease of setup and then elect S Corp taxation for federal tax benefits. This setup allows physicians to benefit from the simplicity of an LLC while enjoying the tax advantages of an S Corp.

Here’s how it works:

1. Formation and Election:



1. The physician establishes an LLC (or a PLLC/PC, depending on state regulations) and chooses to be taxed as an S Corp.

2. Revenue Flow:

1. The physician group, such as ProLocums, pays the LLC for services rendered.

3. Salary and Distributions:

1. The physician draws a W-2 salary from the LLC. This salary is generally lower than the LLC’s total revenue but must be “reasonable” according to IRS guidelines.
2. The remaining income is taken as a distribution, which is not subject to self-employment tax.

As both the employer and employee, the independent contractor physician can significantly reduce self-employment taxes. For 2024, the self-employment tax rate is 15.3% on earnings up to $160,200, with an additional 2.9% on income above this threshold. By balancing W-2 wages and distributions, physicians can save thousands of dollars annually, primarily on payroll taxes, while still meeting their income tax obligations. This strategy offers substantial savings for independent contractor physicians.

Example Scenario:

Dr. Smith owns Smith Medical, LLC. ProLocums pays Smith Medical, LLC $325k through 1099 payments. Smith Medical, LLC then pays Dr. Smith a $125k salary via W-2. As a result, Dr. Smith’s payroll tax is calculated only on the $125k salary instead of the entire $325k.

Payroll Tax Implications Without an LLC:

1. $160,200 x 15.3% = $24,486.60
2. $164,800 x 2.9% = $4,779.20
3. Total: $29,265.80

Payroll Tax Implications With an LLC:

1. $125,000 x 15.3% = $19,125
2. Total: $19,125
3. Savings: $10,140.80

By structuring his income this way, Dr. Smith saves over $10,000 in payroll taxes.

Accessing Non-Wage Income:

The next common question is, “What about the $200k that I’m not taking as wages?” That $200k remains your money and can be accessed through owner distributions or dividends. You can transfer these funds from your business bank account to your personal account with ease. The advantage here is that this $200k is not subject to payroll tax, though it is still subject to income tax.

Forming an LLC and electing S Corp taxation has numerous benefits, but there are also potential downsides. These include compliance with additional tax rules and regulations specific to S Corps. Physicians considering this option should weigh the benefits and drawbacks and consult a tax professional before making a decision. For more information, visit DocWealth.io.

What is QBI and Why Does it Matter?

In recent years, the tax landscape for independent contractors has become increasingly complex, making much of the existing online information outdated. Consulting with a tax professional is crucial for understanding your specific situation.

Qualified Business Income (QBI), outlined in Section 199A of the tax code, refers to net income from a qualified trade or business eligible for deductions under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. For independent contractor physicians, this income is eligible, but only if it falls under certain thresholds:

1. For 2024, the limit is $364,200 for those married filing jointly.
2. Benefits phase out above this limit, disappearing entirely at $464,200.

QBI Example:

1. Dr. Smith earns $325k.
2. After expenses/deductions, their qualified business income is $250k.
3. They receive a 20% QBI deduction on the $250k: $250k x 20% = $50,000.
4. At a 25% tax rate, this reduces their federal tax bill by $12,500.

Understanding QBI and its implications can significantly impact tax planning and savings for independent contractor physicians. For more detailed advice tailored to your circumstances, visit DocWealth.io.

Avoiding the Cap on SALT Deductions

The 2017 tax law that introduced QBI also capped state and local tax (SALT) deductions at $10,000, targeting high-income earners like physicians. To counteract this, many states have introduced or proposed a Pass-Through Entity (PTE) Level Tax. If your state offers PTE, you can pay a portion of your state income tax through your LLC and receive a federal deduction.

For Example:

1. Dr. Smith lives in Georgia.
2. PTE-eligible state income tax liability: $12,000.
3. Smith Medical, LLC pays the $12,000.
4. At a 25% tax rate, this reduces the federal tax bill by $3,000.

This strategy allows high earners to navigate the SALT deduction cap effectively.

Meet with Your CPA

Organizing an LLC and paying yourself as an employee adds complexity but can lead to substantial savings. In the examples above, Dr. Smith could save:

1. $10,140.80 in payroll tax
2. $12,500 from QBI
3. $3,000 from PTE
4. Total savings: $25,640.80

These figures don’t include potential savings from retirement contributions or business deductions. While these examples are simplified and may not apply to your specific situation, the potential benefits are significant.

For personalized advice, consult your CPA or schedule a free 30-minute session with DocWealth.io.