How to Stay Credentialing-Ready as a Locum Tenens Clinician

General.

As a locum tenens physician or advanced practice provider (APP), you’ve chosen a career path that offers flexibility, diverse clinical experiences, and often, higher compensation. But there’s one potential roadblock that can derail even the most promising assignment opportunities: credentialing delays.

For the ambitious clinician who values efficiency and career momentum, nothing is more frustrating than watching a perfect assignment slip away because of paperwork holdups. The good news? With strategic preparation and organization, you can move swiftly when opportunities arise. Continue reading to discover the proven strategies of top-earning locum clinicians that allow them to secure prime assignments faster.

Why credentialing readiness matters

Credentialing isn’t just administrative busywork — it’s the gatekeeping process ensuring patient safety and high-quality care. For facilities facing staffing shortages, your ability to quickly clear this hurdle can make you the solution they desperately need.

Consider this scenario: An emergency department in a rural hospital loses a physician unexpectedly, and they need coverage starting in 3 weeks. Two equally qualified emergency physicians apply for the locum assignment. One has a complete, organized credentialing portfolio ready to submit within 24 hours. The other needs 2 weeks to gather documentation and contact references. It’s clear which physician will secure the assignment.

The essentials of credentialing readiness

Successfully managing the credentialing process demands a systematic approach that anticipates the needs of facilities and credentialing committees. Here are the core elements every locum clinician should master to eliminate unnecessary delays:

1. Build your digital credentialing portfolio

Create a comprehensive, well-organized digital file system containing all your credentialing documents. This should include:

• Medical degree and residency/fellowship certificates
• Board certification documentation
• State medical licenses
• DEA registration
• ACLS, BLS, & PALS certifications
• COVID-19 vaccination records
• Recent TB test results
• Professional liability insurance certificates
• CV (updated monthly or with new assignments)
• Case logs (if relevant to your specialty)
• Recent professional photo (many facilities request this)

References

Pro tip: Maintain cloud storage and local backup copies, with files clearly labeled by document type and expiration date where applicable.

2. Maintain updated references and work history

The credentialing process almost always requires verification of your professional history and references. Be ready to verify by:

• Keeping a running list of clinical supervisors and colleagues who can serve as references and include their current contact information and relationship to you.
• Maintaining a detailed work history with exact dates, facility names, addresses, and contact information for each position.
• Documenting any gaps in employment with explanations.

3. Stay ahead of license and certification renewals

Nothing kills momentum like discovering your state license expires next week when you’re trying to secure an assignment! Instead:

• Create calendar alerts 90, 60, and 30 days before any expiration date.
• Prioritize renewals of your primary state license, DEA registration, and board certification.
• Consider obtaining licenses in neighboring states where you might want to work.
• Budget for renewal fees as regular business expenses.
• Track CME requirements and completion status for each credential.

Common pitfalls that delay credentialing

Even experienced clinicians encounter roadblocks in the credentialing process. Understanding the most frequent challenges allows you to proactively address them before they affect assignments. Here are the primary pitfalls to avoid and strategies to overcome them:

Incomplete applications and missing documents

This is the most frequent and preventable cause of credentialing delays. Avoid it by:

• Reading application instructions thoroughly before starting.
• Creating a checklist specific to each facility’s requirements.
• Having a colleague review your application before submission.
• Responding promptly to requests for additional information.
• Asking your Integrity Locums consultant any questions you may have about the documents you need.

Verification delays from previous employers

Even the most organized clinician can’t control how quickly former employers respond to verification requests. However, you can implement strategies to minimize these delays and keep your credentialing process on track:

• Proactively contact previous employers before listing them.
• Maintain relationships with previous medical staff offices.
• Provide alternative contact options when possible.
• Ask your locum agency if they have established contacts at facilities where you’ve worked.
• Consider obtaining letters of good standing when leaving positions.

Starting the process too late

Credentialing typically takes 30-45 days but can stretch to 90+ days for certain facilities or specialties. Therefore, you should:

• Begin credentialing conversations as soon as you express interest in an assignment.
• Ask your consultant about the facility’s typical timeline.
• Consider “parallel processing” for multiple potential assignments.
• Never withdraw from current opportunities until new credentialing is complete.
• Build credentialing time into your financial planning between assignments.

Leverage your agency’s credentialing expertise

Quality locum tenens agencies like Integrity Locums offer significant credentialing support. They may help you with document storage, application review services, facility-specific requirement checklists, and proactive license renewal reminders.

The most successful locum clinicians view their agency’s credentialing specialists as career accelerators who directly impact their ability to secure premium assignments. Yes, your clinical expertise gets you considered, but your credentialing readiness gets you hired.

Remember, it isn’t just about avoiding headaches — it’s about creating a competitive advantage that directly translates to more assignments, better locations, and ultimately, greater career satisfaction and financial rewards.

Ready to transform credentialing from a roadblock to a competitive advantage? Contact Integrity Locums today and take the first step toward more assignments and greater earnings.