For a small facility with one full-time physician, losing that provider is devastating. And that’s exactly what happened to an anesthesia pain management clinic in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Luckily, Interim Physicians swiftly identified the perfect locum tenens solution for them. Not once, but twice.
This physician-owned and -managed facility provides chemotherapy, long-term treatment, and medication management for people with chronic and hereditary health conditions. Although pain management clinics often have a certain reputation, this clinic implements a holistic approach to care by incorporating physical therapy and osteopathic manipulation treatment (OMT). Medication is a last resort, but it’s often a necessary one.
Sudden Summer Vacancy
In May 2022, the facility’s anesthesiologist gave notice. They had some radiation and oncology nurses on staff, but the practice manager still panicked. He’d have to limit their additional services for an extended period. And if they couldn’t prescribe medication, the facility’s revenue and reputation would suffer. He needed a solution, stat.
Although time was of the essence, this pain management clinic didn’t want just any provider to mindlessly fill scripts. They needed to take their time to find another quality permanent physician. But they’d also need coverage in the interim. So, the practice manager gave us a call, and we delivered.
Interim Physicians swiftly:
- Identified a semi-retired anesthesiologist with over 40 years of experience and got him working within 21 days.
- Saved the facility travel expenses without sacrificing quality; this physician stayed at his son’s house, so he only required mileage reimbursement for the duration of the assignment.
- Covered the clinic’s full schedule with this provider from June to August.
Once August arrived, our locums provider had scheduled time off. Since Interim’s consistent coverage provided the clinic with necessary breathing room, the practice manager decided to bring on some per diem staff who were referred through his personal network.
A Solution in 24 Hours
During med school and residency, Dr. Schimmels heard about practicing “locum tenens,” taking temporary assignments at different hospitals to help fill in for other doctors. She even saw a few in action during the height of COVID-19. After learning about the flexibility and financial benefits, Dr. Schimmels was surprised to watch most of her classmates proceed straight into their fellowship without considering locums.
“When I thought about the flexibility and exposure of working in a bunch of different settings with different people, I got really excited about locums. I started to imagine working a set number of shifts, visiting new places, and then taking the rest of the month off. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to know where I could sign up!”
From there, the details of the assignment just needed to be ironed out. Interim Physicians then:
- Booked a local anesthesiologist with 22 years of experience who only required hotel and travel reimbursement.
- Covered 100% of their schedule exclusively through the end of December.
- Agreed to continue providing locums coverage through 2023 until they find a permanent physician.
Twice, this client turned to us in a pinch, and we expeditiously delivered each time. In fact, our locums anesthesiologist has been such a good fit that they’re considering transitioning them to perm.
Whether we facilitate our provider’s locum-to-perm transition or continue covering the clinic’s schedule until they find a permanent provider, we’re proud to be their preferred locum tenens staffing partner.
“This client has always prioritized patient care. He had a goal and dream of owning his own clinic, and he did it. But this year, he needed some help. For me, there’s a huge sense of pride in working with someone small and independent. It almost feels like I’m working with a mom-and-pop shop. It’s been really rewarding to build this relationship, find solutions quickly, and help the clinic continue to deliver exceptional care to its patients.”
