By Francesca Mathewes

In a recent article, EP Lab Digest analyzed the rise of locum tenens utilization across healthcare and how it may fit into physician practice models moving forward.

Here are five takeaways from the article:

1. Approximately 52,000, or 7%, of the physician population estimated to be eligible for locum work are providing such services.

2. Common reasons that physicians transition to or add locum work include:

- Supplemental income

- Control over schedule

- Search for a full-time position

- Life transition

- Travel experience

- Bridge to retirement

- Avoid overwork

3. The benefits of physician locum work to the larger healthcare system include providing continuity of patient care, prevention of revenue loss and a reduction in staff burnout, according to the report. Locum work can also provide a trial period for physicians prior to a permanent offer.

4. Hospital concerns regarding locum work generally center around the typically higher cost of locum work compared with permanent physicians, their lack of familiarity with practice and departments, quality concerns, a lack of continuity of patient care and a lack of familiarity with equipment use.

5. The telehealth locum tenens industry is growing in popularity across the country as physicians try out the practice as a moonlighting opportunity or side hustle.