FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions.

  • Latin for "placeholder." It refers to a healthcare provider who temporarily fills in for another provider or covers a staffing gap.

    • Physicians: $1,000–$4,000+ per day ($120–$450+/hour), depending on specialty, location, urgency, and shift type

    • NPs/PAs: $75–$150/hour

    • CRNAs: $150–$250+/hour

    Pay is usually 20–100% higher than permanent roles because it's 1099 contract income with no benefits.

  • Anesthesiology, radiology, cardiology, general surgery, emergency medicine, and psychiatry (especially in underserved areas).

  • Yes. You're paid as an independent contractor (1099). No taxes are withheld, so you'll owe quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment (Social Security/Medicare) tax. You can deduct travel, housing, meals, CME, home office, health insurance, and retirement contributions—many locums providers end up with a lower effective tax rate than W-2 employees.

  • Almost always 1099 (independent contractor). A few agencies offer W-2 with slightly lower rates.

  • The agency or facility pays. 99% of assignments come with occurrence-based malpractice insurance that includes tail coverage.

  • The agency or facility pays (sometimes reimbursed, sometimes direct-billed). Legitimate agencies never make you pay upfront.

  • Yes. Some states belong to the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) or have special locum licenses, but you must be licensed in the state where you practice.

  • 2–8 weeks for fast states (AZ, NV, TX, IMLC states); 3–6+ months for slow states (CA, NY, FL, MI).

  • 30–120 days after licensing is complete.

  • Yes. The best agencies pay all fees and have in-house teams that handle the paperwork for you.

  • Anywhere from next week (emergency coverage) to 6–12 months out. Most common is 2–6 months ahead.

  • If you already hold multiple state licenses: 1–4 weeks. First-time locums with one license: usually 2–6 months.

    • Physicians: 1 week to 12 months (most common: 2 weeks–3 months)

    • NPs/PAs/CRNAs: Usually 3–6 months, sometimes locum-to-perm

  • Absolutely. Many providers work only long weekends, 7-on/7-off, or 1–2 weeks per month.

  • Average is 2–3 weeks per month. Many aim for 120–150 days per year to maximize pay and time off.

  • Usually yes. Most contracts guarantee the full shift or day rate even if you're sent home early.

  • No traditional benefits or PTO. You trade them for much higher pay and total schedule control.

  • Yes. Agencies routinely provide 2–3 bedroom housing and allow pets and family.

  • No. It's now viewed positively by nearly all employers. Many permanent jobs start as locums assignments ("try before you buy").

  • Very common—30–50% of locums assignments convert to permanent offers.

  • Yes (moonlighting locums), but check your current employment contract for non-compete and moonlighting clauses.

  • Yes. Moonlighting locums is common as long as your program allows it.

  • Almost never. Locums contracts rarely include non-competes.

  • Yes, especially in primary care, hospital medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.

  • NPs, PAs, and CRNAs have huge locums markets—often easier placement and faster licensing.

  • No. Increasingly popular with millennials and Gen Z for work-life balance, paying off loans faster, or trying different practice settings before committing.

  • You usually don't get paid for missed days (no sick leave), but agencies will almost always re-book you later.

  • 99% go through agencies because facilities rarely handle credentialing, payroll, housing, and malpractice themselves.

  • Contact ConnectHealth. Submit CV → phone interview → submit documents → receive assignment options.