We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Locum Tenens?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,589
Share

A locum tenens is a professional who fills in for someone else, providing the same service for the same fee. Locum tenentes may be used for teachers, police officers, lawyers, and members of the clergy, but work as a locum tenens is most commonly associated with people in the medical field. A locum tenens doctor may be needed for any number of reasons, ranging from a regular doctor's vacation to an unfilled position which needs to be temporarily occupied.

In Latin, this term literally means “one who holds a place.” Depending on where one is in the world, people may use the shorthand “locum” to refer to someone filling a temporary position, and “locums” in the plural. In regions where people are sticklers about their Latin, the plural “locum tenentes” may be used. Terms like “substitute teacher” may be used to talk about specific professions.

A doctor who works as a locum tenens may do so through a professional organization which places locums, or he or she may work independently, filling in as needed by request. In small towns, doctors and veterinarians often make locum agreements with each other to ensure that everyone gets a chance to take time off, and to confirm that medical care will always be available to the community.

When someone works as a locum tenens, the work takes place in someone else's clinic, using their equipment, lab services, and so forth. The locum must be able to offer the standard of care offered by the regular physician, along with the same rates. The specifics of the job are generally spelled out in a contract, in which fees, hourly wages, and so forth are discussed, along with specific terms like an “out” clause which allows the doctor to leave if the position does not work out.

Patients may feel uneasy about seeing a locum tenens if they have an established relationship with a doctor, but they should remember that the temporary placeholder has the same capability as their usual physician. If patients have special arrangements with their doctors in regards to payment, checkups, and so forth, they may want to get the details in writing for the benefit of the locum.

For doctors, working as a locum tenens can be interesting, because it exposes medical professionals to all sorts of people, clinical environments, and places. It's important to read the contract carefully, though, to ensure that the terms are fully understood. Some things to think about include who bears the responsibility for carrying malpractice insurance, what kind of hours are expected, and whether the physician is paid directly or through an agency.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-locum-tenens.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.