5 Impressive Reasons Why Locum Tenens OB/GYNs Can Provide Value to Your Practice
Health facilities rely on a core group of physicians, APPs, and other health care professionals to care for their patients. OB/GYNs are an essential part of this group, providing critical services to women at all stages of life.
However, OB/GYNs are in high demand, and there’s a growing shortage of these specialists. This deficit translates to longer wait times, shorter appointments, and less access to routine and pregnancy care. It’s a potential crisis for female healthcare.
When the demand for services exceeds the capacity of permanent staff, locum tenens OB/GYNs can help bridge the gap. These exceptionally skilled and experienced clinicians can provide first-rate care while allowing facilities to manage fluctuations in volume.
Here are five ways that locum tenens OB/GYNs can provide value to your practice:
1. Locum OB/GYNs have a variety of experience
When it comes to delivering superior patient care, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every healthcare facility is different, as are the patients they serve. Therefore, having locum OB/GYNs on hand who can step in and provide care tailored to the specific needs of your practice is a critical factor in patient outcomes.
Working locum tenens allows OB/GYNs to build extensive experience across a broad range of settings and populations, from small community hospitals to large teaching facilities and everything in between. Consequently, these physicians are incredibly adaptable and can quickly get up to speed in any new environment.
No matter your patient population, facility size, or technology level, a locum OB/GYN can provide the individualized care your patients need and deserve.
2. Locum OB/GYNs have a good work/life balance
Many physicians choose to work locum tenens because it offers a better work/life balance than traditional permanent positions.
Locum tenens OB/GYNs can choose when and where they want to work, which gives them substantial control over their schedules. This flexibility allows them to take time off between assignments to enjoy hobbies, travel, spend time with family, or simply relax.
This flexibility is also beneficial for your facility in several ways. Rather than being tied to a set schedule, you can work with locum OB/GYNs to create a staffing plan that meets the needs of your patients and your practice.
Locums are also less likely to experience physician burnout, a growing issue. Many physicians work long hours, deal with significant stress, and have little control over their schedules. This can lead to fatigue and overload that negatively impacts patient care.
Because locum OB/GYNs plan their own schedule, they’re less likely to experience burnout, make mistakes, and provide subpar care. Additionally, because they support permanent staff and allow for scheduled time off, they can help prevent overexertion among other providers.
3. Locum OB/GYNs are a cost-effective solution
Working with locum tenens providers is often more financially advantageous than hiring a permanent staff member, especially considering the added costs of benefits, malpractice insurance, and recruitment.
Additionally, because locums are independent contractors, your facility won’t incur the expenses associated with training and onboarding a new hire.
4. Patients benefit from locum tenens OB/GYNs
In addition to providing needed coverage, locum tenens OB/GYNs can bring a fresh perspective to your practice. As a result, they’re often able to offer new ideas and insights on patient care, which can lead to better outcomes.
Additionally, locum tenens providers can offer an unbiased assessment of your systems and processes. This outside perspective can be invaluable in identifying potential areas for improvement.
5. OB/GYN physicians are in demand
As the population of women of childbearing age continues to grow, so does the demand for OB/GYN services.
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has predicted a shortfall of up to 22,000 OB/GYNs by 2050. In 2017, they estimated that around 50% of U.S. counties didn’t have a single OB/GYN. This looming deficit will majorly impact access to care, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
This physician shortage will only increase the demand for locum tenens providers in the coming years. So having access to a pool of highly skilled and experienced OB/GYNs can help you meet patient needs, even when your regular staff is unavailable.
How Integrity Locums can help you
At Integrity Locums, we have a nationwide network of hundreds of OB/GYNs, many with subspecialty training. Our experienced consultants can connect you with the ideal provider for your needs, whether for a short-term coverage need or a long-term vacancy.
If you’re interested in learning more about working with locum tenens OB/GYNs, don’t hesitate to contact Integrity Locums today.