FAQ

  • Why work locum tenens?

    Providers choose to work locum tenens for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to:

    • Supplemental income
    • Change of lifestyle
    • Ability to travel and see new places
    • Try new practice settings
    • Gain new clinical skills
    • Waiting to start a fellowship
  • If I sign with Echo Locum Tenens, are you the only locums company for whom I can work?

    No — you can sign up with any agency you would like. However, we will do our very best to provide great assignments and make Echo your preferred partner for locum tenens work.

  • What if I am not licensed in a state where you have opportunities?

    Echo has an experienced licensing department to assist with the entire process. They will include the educational aspect and board requirements into their assignment time frames.

  • Do you provide medical malpractice?

    Yes — we provide medical malpractice for physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.

  • Do you take taxes out of my paycheck?

    No — you’re considered an independent contractor, so federal, state (if applicable), and social security taxes are not taken out. Our suggestion is to meet with a tax advisor for expert advice on working as an independent contractor.

  • Do you provide healthcare insurance?

    No — but there are many companies that provide healthcare insurance for you and your family.

  • What if I want to bring my family?

    Your family can definitely accompany you on your locum tenens assignment. In most cases, we will provide and pay for travel and lodging for you, but the extra cost for family members will usually be your responsibility.

  • Can I bring my pet?

    Yes — we do have providers that bring their pet on assignments, but it needs to be told to us up front so we can make the necessary arrangements with travel and lodging. In most cases, there will be pet deposits, which you will need to pay for. We also recommend you doing your research when bringing a pet by airplane, in which case you will be responsible for those costs as well.

  • What are my accommodations like if I travel into a community?

    We do our very best on making sure we’re placing you in a clean and safe accommodation. It will always be determined by the location, size of the community, length of assignment, and what arrangements the community has available. We have placed providers in motels, hotels, resorts, extended stays, apartments, duplexes, condos, and houses.

  • Do you provide a rental vehicle, or do I have to drive my own?

    In most cases and more than 60 miles from your home to the assignment, we can provide a standard full-size rental vehicle. If you drive your own vehicle, we will reimburse your mileage at the current IRS rate.

  • How often do I get paid working as a locum tenens provider?

    We pay you on a biweekly basis. We also offer direct deposit, so you don’t have to wait for a paper check.

  • What if I don’t like the assignment? Can I just quit?

    No — every provider has to give a 30-day notice per our contract, which gives us time to find another provider to backfill the position and prevent the facility from being without coverage. The facility also has to give the same courtesy by placing a 30-day notice, which gives us time to find you a new opportunity.