Introduction
Lots of people confuse locum tenens with per diem because they are similar. But the two are largely different in terms of the way they pay you for your medical expertise. In this article, we will explain the critical differences between the two, and how they may benefit you.
What Is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens is a Latin term meaning ‘to hold the place of. ‘ It refers to the healthcare professional temporarily filling a position. Locum provider means a position that is at-will and on-call.
These job roles are particularly designed for healthcare providers to provide services for a specified period. They are intended to cover the short-term absences of professionals, fill the gap in staffing, or provide additional support during busy periods. Locum tenens assignments can last from a few days to several months, offering diverse and flexible work experiences.
What is Per Diem?
Per diem definition in healthcare is “per day,” which involves healthcare providers offering healthcare services on a day-by-day basis. These roles are used to ensure staff management and provide coverage for shifts that are hard to staff. Per diem work is largely flexible, allowing healthcare providers to choose their shifts and work locations according to their preferences and availability.
Per Diem Meaning in Healthcare
The role of per diem is different from the role of a healthcare provider in a healthcare facility. When you are hired as per diem, you work as a freelance contractor and you work for them as per their requirement and may not have a fixed schedule during the assignment. It means that healthcare practices can end the contract or reduce your hours as patient load as per their need.
What is the difference between Locum Tenens and Per Diem?
Here we explain the major differences that define the role and the perspective of the two works.
Duration of Assignments
The duration of locum tenens positions ranges from a few days to several months, while per diem is based on short-term agreement, often daily. On the other hand, locum tenens agreement is comparatively longer.
Flexibility and predictability
One of the major benefits that healthcare providers can avail of per diem services is the flexibility option in that they can choose the shifts that best fit their schedules. Locum tenens provides flexibility over longer periods, allowing for extended breaks between assignments.
Scope Of Work
Most of the time, locum tenens are outsiders with extraordinary skills required to adapt to different healthcare settings and practices, whereas per diem work is usually more consistent, often within the same system or facility.
Type Of Work
Dentists, physicians, and advanced practice providers typically take on locums or permanent roles, while on the other hand, nurses, allied and non-clinical workers often work per diem, travel, or permanent roles.
Compensation
Both per diem and locum tenens roles can offer competitive pay, but the compensation structure may be different. Locum tenens professionals might receive higher rates for longer assignments while per diem workers might get benefits from shift differentials and bonuses.
Pros & Cons of Per Diem Physician Jobs
Pros of per diem
Balance: Per diem meaning healthcare implies that per diem employees in healthcare facilities work only when there is a need without long-term commitments.
Variety: offers a diverse set of experiences of working in different settings and departments.
Flexibility: options to choose shifts according to preferences and availability.
Cons of Per Diem
Inconsistency: unpredictable shifts or lack of guaranteed hours.
Limited Benefits: compared with a full-time employee, benefits could be lower.
Adjustment Periods: required to immediately adapt to new environments and teams.
Pros & Cons of Locum Tenens
Diverse Experience: exposure to different practices and healthcare environments.
Higher Pay: greater chances of growth and earnings, particularly for longer assignments.
Travel Opportunities: It gives a vast experience to explore diverse geographical locations, cultures, and climates, often with travel expenses covered.
Cons Of Locum Tenens
No Surety: Lack of job stability and long-term security.
Frequent Relocation: Involves regular moves and adjustments to new places.
Isolation: Due to the temporary nature of assignments, one may feel isolated.
Support Can Vary
The level of support provided to both can vary given the difference in the workplace environment and different job descriptions. Generally, per diem workers are integrated into existing teams and they are supposed to be familiar with the practices of the facility or learn them quickly. As such, some per diem work apps have received a negative reputation for throwing healthcare providers into far-off work environments with little or no support or guidance.
While locum tenens positions can provide an entirely different experience, especially, when healthcare providers partner with medical staffing agencies that provide comprehensive support that include assistance with credentialing, licensing, and administrative tasks.
Whether you are looking for locums, per diem, or moonlighting work, it is imperative to seek out medical staffing agencies that will help you with the resources and tools that you need to thrive in your new work environment.
Which Profession is The Best for You
When deciding the type of work that you want to do, it is imperative to consider your personal inclinations and professional goals. As a nurse, non-clinical professional, or allied, per diem may be ideal if you value work-life balance and daily-life flexibility. If you are an advanced practice provider or physician, the most feasible option is to start your career with locum tenens. It also offers opportunities to travel and have more freedom and flexibility. Cross-country has nationwide opportunities both for per diem and locum tenens nurses, physicians, allied professionals, non-clinical professionals, and advanced practice providers.
Hopefully, we explained and explained all the important queries such as do locum tenens need to be credentialed, locum billing, temporary vs per diem, and what is a locum provider.
FAQs
What is per diem meaning medical?
In the medical field, “per diem” refers to healthcare professionals working on a day-to-day, flexible basis without a long-term contract. “Locum choice” allows providers to take per diem shifts, offering greater flexibility, higher pay, and varied work experiences in hospitals or clinics.
How does per diem work in hospitals?
In hospitals, per diem work allows healthcare professionals to fill short-term shifts based on demand. Locum tenens billing applies when temporary providers, such as per diem doctors or nurses, are compensated through flexible contracts, ensuring proper reimbursement for their services.
What is per diem shifts meaning?
Per diem shift meaning refers to temporary, flexible work shifts in hospitals or clinics where healthcare professionals are hired on a daily basis as needed. These shifts offer flexibility, higher pay, and no long-term commitment, making them ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
Define per diem vs full time.
Per diem vs on-call refers to different work arrangements in healthcare. Per diem, professionals work flexible, pre-scheduled shifts without a long-term commitment, while full-time employees have fixed schedules with benefits. On-call staff must be available for emergencies but may not always work.
Explain health insurance for locum tenens physicians.
Health insurance for locum tenens physicians varies based on employment type. Some staffing agencies offer coverage, while independent locums may need to purchase private plans. Options include short-term health insurance, ACA-compliant plans, or association-based coverage for flexibility and protection.
What are the key differences in job stability and benefits between locum tenens and per diem positions in the healthcare industry?
Locum tenens offers longer assignments with competitive pay but may require travel, while per diem provides flexible, day-to-day shifts with less stability. Locums often get agency benefits, whereas per diem workers may need to secure their own. Both options offer freedom but suit different lifestyles.
How do experienced professionals at Pro Medical Billing Solutions streamline billing for locum tenens and per diem healthcare providers?
The expert team at Pro Medical Billing Solutions ensures seamless locum tenens and per diem billing by handling complex claims, maximizing reimbursements, and reducing administrative burdens. Their precision-driven approach guarantees accuracy, faster payments, and compliance with industry regulations.
