Physicians Called to Action: Who Fills In? Medical Doctor Associates Offers a How To" on Hiring Locum Tenens Physicians

Addresses the service that locum tenens physicians provides when a critical needs for physician arise. All locum tenens physicians fill in on a temporary basis where the need arises in a variety of practice opportunities and geographic locations. The physicians work as independent contractors for a predetermined amount of time -- anywhere from a few days to more than a year. Make no mistake, these are highly trained, carefully credentialed doctors and allied health professionals.

ATLANTA -- Our country has recently marked the six-month anniversary of the most devastating day in our nations recent history. The events of September 11 will not soon be forgotten -- the tragedy faced, the lives lost, the valor proved and the pride that continues to be expressed.

Tens of thousands of American troops have been called to serve in Operation Enduring Freedom, including 50,000 Reservists -- teachers, police officers and physicians.

Nearly 70,000 members of the healthcare community are part of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard alone. While many of these valiant soldiers have been called abroad to action, stateside physicians have also risen to the call of duty by serving as temporary replacements to ease the burden of medical understaffing in our homeland.

These and all locum tenens physicians fill in on a temporary basis where the need arises in a variety of practice opportunities and geographic locations. The physicians work as independent contractors for a predetermined amount of time -- anywhere from a few days to more than a year.

When hiring locum tenens physicians Medical Doctor Associates (MDA), an established and known national staffing company, offers this advice:
>   Make sure the physicians are licensed and credentialed. Preferably the accreditation sources will meet NCQA certification standards.
>   Ensure the physician is covered by the highest rated malpractice insurance available today.
>   Billing for locum tenens physicians can be difficult and time consuming. Have a billing specialist, with knowledge and expertise, walk you through the process to guarantee you are in compliance with current regulations.

The physicians who work with us are always eager to engage their expertise, but after the deployment of the Reservist troops, it became more important for them to act. The medical communities were in dire need of help -- and quickly," said MDA President Ken Shumard. We at MDA are always proud to bring together these two communities. It is imperative to fill this gap and make sure our nations health care is never compromised."

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About MDA

Founded in 1987, MDA is the largest privately held medical staffing company in the U.S. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices located in Dallas and Salt Lake City, and satellite offices located throughout the United States. MDA provides recruiting expertise for all physician specialties, allied health and healthcare professionals. For more information about MDA and its services, call 1-800-780-3500 ext. 168 or visit, MDAs Web site at www.mdainc.com.