Locum tenens use on the rise; employers cite doctor shortage

The use of locum tenens is rising, underlining the ongoing shortage of doctors nationwide, according to survey results by Staff Care, a national temporary physician staffing firm of AMN Healthcare.

The survey polled hospital and medical group managers about their use of locum tenens. The majority of those surveyed (85%) said their facilities had used locums in the last 12 months, up from 72% the previous year. The primary reason, cited by 63% of those surveyed, was to fill in until a permanent doctor could be found. The top requested type of provider on the list was psychiatrists and behavioral health specialists, followed by primary care physicians (20% of requests), and internal medicine subspecialists (12%).