It’s every locum’s least favorite plot twist. You’ve got the assignment, the dates are locked in, and bam: credentialing hits a snag.
Welcome to Locums CME 55, Locumpedia’s bi-weekly news roundup that helps physicians and APPs maximize their locum tenens lifestyle.
Our Lead Story: Credentialing might not be glamorous, but it’s make-or-break for locum tenens physicians. Luckily, Integrity Locums and Medicus are stepping up with practical, step-by-step guides to keep your paperwork tight and your schedule full. From state licenses and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) to the finer points of credentialing, it’s everything you need to stay ahead.
Also in this edition of Locums CME: Hospitals are turning to AI to ease burnout, locums providers can now check what they should be earning, and recruiters spill the tea on what really makes a candidate stand out. Plus, we break down the hottest states for providers in 2025 and launch the ability to search certified anesthesiologist assistant (CAA) jobs on Locumpedia.
How to Stay Credentialed as a Locums Provider
April 29 | Integrity Locums & Medicus
Getting licensed and credentialed for locum tenens work isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. If you’re bouncing between states or jumping into your first assignment, understanding the paperwork puzzle is key to keeping your career moving forward. The process can be complex, from medical board applications to hospital credentialing packets, but it’s much easier to navigate when you know what to expect.
Here’s the rundown: state medical licenses are non-negotiable, and if you plan to work across multiple states, you’ll need to juggle different requirements, fees, and timelines. Thankfully, there’s help. IMLC simplifies multi-state licensing for physicians, while the APRN Compact is slowly gaining traction for nurse practitioners. Meanwhile, credentialing gets you in the door at healthcare facilities, verifying everything from your training and work history to malpractice claims and immunizations. It typically takes 60 to 90 days, so the sooner you start, the better.
Here’s where a good agency earns its keep. Coordinating with state boards, organizing documents, and pushing through credentialing backlogs isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s second nature to seasoned licensing and credentialing teams. When backed by experts who know the ropes, you’ll spend less time chasing paperwork and more time doing what you do best: delivering patient care. Want a shortcut to your next assignment? Start by getting your licenses in order, and don’t forget those reference letters.
AI on Call
AI Advancements Promise To Transform Neurology
May 12 | Physicians News
Big money is flowing into brain science, and it’s not just about curing disease. From Parkinson’s to sleep disorders, the neurological conditions driving trillions in global costs are now front and center in what some call the “5th Industrial Revolution.”
This isn’t just good news for locum providers in neurology, geriatrics, sleep medicine, or behavioral health; it’s a glimpse into a future where earlier diagnoses, more innovative treatments, and human-centered tech could transform how care gets delivered. In the US alone, Parkinson’s and sleep disorders rack up more than $140 billion each year in healthcare costs, lost productivity, and caregiver burden. That pressure only grows as the population ages.
But help is on the horizon. With initiatives like the US BRAIN Initiative and a wave of private investment, neurotech is advancing fast. From AI that mimics brain function to tools that help clinicians catch conditions earlier, this is a shift locums should watch closely.
Can AI Improve Workflows and Combat Systemic Burnout?
April 28 | Unite AI
Clinician burnout isn’t new, but AI might finally give providers room to breathe. In 2025, voice AI and ambient clinical intelligence are reshaping documentation workflows, helping physicians and APPs cut screen time and get back to what matters most: patient care. Some systems already deliver serious results, like 30% drops in burnout and 40% boosts in productivity by generating real-time notes, managing referrals, and automating pre- and post-visit documentation.
For many locum providers, documentation is the reason a shift feels longer than it should. With EMRs eating up hours, today’s AI tools are stepping in with advanced solutions. They adapt to clinical context, understand specialty-specific language, and plug into workflows without the need for boot camps or long tutorials. At hospitals using this tech, some clinicians save more than 40 hours monthly and report higher job satisfaction.
AI isn’t magic and is not a replacement for good clinical judgment. However, when done right, real clinician input can actually support the work instead of getting in the way.
Healthcare Is Embracing AI, but Ethical Challenges Remain
May 13 | Healthcare IT News
The global healthcare AI market is booming, projected to grow from $29 billion in 2024 to over $500 billion by 2032. That growth is even more dramatic in Europe, with a 38% annual rate expected over the next decade. For physicians and APPs, more AI-driven tools are entering clinical settings, with applications ranging from early sepsis detection to improved cancer screenings and personalized treatment planning.
While the potential is enormous, experts continue to raise concerns about bias and data quality. Current algorithms have shown reduced accuracy across diverse patient populations, especially in dermatology and cardiology tools. Clinicians like Dr. Jessica Morley warn that the communities with the most significant health needs often have the least reliable data, a challenge she calls the “inverse data quality law.” However, new models and secure data-sharing systems are helping to build better, more inclusive tools without sacrificing patient privacy.
While the European Union has rolled out new AI regulations, there are no signs of similar laws in the US, yet. This evolving AI landscape offers new opportunities for clinicians to improve patient care, as long as it’s implemented responsibly and with equity in mind.
The Promise of AI in Cardiovascular Care
May 12 | Medscape
AI isn’t replacing the stethoscope; it’s upgrading it. In cardiovascular care, tech is finally catching up to need, and primary care providers may be the ones who benefit most. From faster imaging reads to smarter risk detection, AI tools are helping clinicians flag heart issues sooner and intervene faster.
Take AI-powered stethoscopes: These handheld devices don’t just amplify sound; they cancel noise, analyze rhythms, and deliver a full cardiac readout in seconds. In early studies, they’ve picked up murmurs linked to valvular heart disease before symptoms show. Meanwhile, AI is speeding up CT scan analysis, automatically flagging coronary artery calcium scores, streamlining referrals, and getting high-risk patients on treatment plans faster.
The American Heart Association is cautiously optimistic and supports innovation, but it is pushing for more diverse datasets and greater transparency. For clinicians, the message is clear: AI won’t replace your judgment, but when it works alongside you, it could mean earlier diagnoses, quicker care, and lives saved. That’s the kind of assist any locum can get behind.
Your Locums Prescription
Locumpedia Launches CAA Job-Search Feature
May | Locumpedia
Big news for certified anesthesiologist assistants: Locumpedia just made your job hunt a whole lot easier. We’ve officially launched a new job search feature that has been explicitly built for CAAs. You no longer have to filter through irrelevant listings or guess which roles are a fit. It’s tailored, streamlined, and designed to connect you with the locum tenens and permanent opportunities that match your skills and certification.
Why now? Because the demand is real. As hospitals and surgical centers navigate rising patient volumes and coverage gaps, CAAs are stepping in to provide critical anesthesia support. According to the NCCAA, nearly 4,000 CAAs are now practicing across 20 states, with more states working on licensure legislation. Locumpedia recognized that CAAs were being overlooked in traditional job boards, so we created a solution that reflects your growing importance in perioperative care.
What’s in it for you? Access. Whether you’re searching for higher pay, more flexible hours, or a chance to travel while practicing, our new feature makes finding roles that meet your goals easier. Plus, it’s part of a bigger push to ensure every clinician, whether a physician, CRNA, NP, PA, or CAA, can build the career they want with tools that work for them.
Why Locums Providers Need To Know Their Worth
May 11 | Kevin MD
If you’re a locum tenens or independent physician, chances are you’ve asked yourself: Am I being paid fairly? Unlike employed peers whose paychecks are guided by internal benchmarks, locums are often left to negotiate solo, without a clear sense of what’s reasonable. Understanding fair market value (FMV) isn’t just about better pay. It’s also about staying compliant with federal laws like the Stark Law, which governs physician compensation.
So, what is FMV? According to the Stark Law, two well-informed parties would agree to it in a legit, arm’s-length negotiation. It also introduces the concept of “commercial reasonableness,” which means even unprofitable arrangements can be compliant if they make operational sense. For locums, that’s key, especially if you’re filling a high-need role or helping a struggling department stay afloat. Your value goes beyond productivity in rural or underserved areas; your rate should reflect that.
If you don’t have a salary schedule to guide you, you can estimate your value by comparing it to the total cost of an employed physician. For example, a family medicine doctor making around $298,000 annually costs the employer about $216 an hour when you factor in PTO, benefits, and bonuses. That number should be your floor in negotiations, not your ceiling. Do your homework, ask tough questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the numbers don’t add up. Your rate should reflect your skills, your sacrifice, and the stability you bring to the facility.
The Perks of Locum Tenens Post Residency
May 8 | Floyd Lee Locums
Finishing residency is a major milestone, but it also kicks off a new round of decision-making. For many physicians and APPs, locum tenens offers a practical and rewarding bridge between training and a long-term role. It’s more than a gap-filler. It’s a career strategy that delivers control, flexibility, and financial upside. Locums lets you explore different practice settings, build your resume, and earn competitive pay while creating your desired career.
Unlike employed positions, locum tenens work gives clinicians full autonomy. You choose when and where you work, with no pressure to stay late or check messages off the clock. The assignments range in length and location, allowing you to “test-drive” facilities or cities before committing.
While the benefits are compelling, success in locums depends on clarity around your personal and professional goals. Are you prioritizing student loan repayment? Looking to explore rural medicine? Want time off before taking on a full-time role? Knowing your “why” helps agencies find the right fit. Rural assignments, for example, often pay more and have opportunities to make a visible impact in underserved areas. And with the right support, you’re never navigating this path alone. For clinicians ready to build a career on their terms, locum tenens after residency offers a smart, flexible launchpad.
A Physician’s Guide To Getting Started with Locum Tenens
April 25 | CompHealth
Thinking about locums but not sure where to start? Whether you’re fresh out of residency, winding down toward retirement, or just want to keep your skills sharp on the side, CompHealth’s new five-part guide lays it all out with no fluff or filler. Part 1 breaks down what locum tenens really means, how it works, and why so many physicians and advanced practice providers choose it as their main gig or side hustle.
Fun fact: “locum tenens” means “to hold the place,” but for many physicians, it’s more like holding the reins. With locums, you call the shots: where, when, and how much to work. You get clinical variety, less bureaucracy, and usually, better pay. Plus: no meetings, no office drama, and someone else handles the logistics.
The guide also tackles common confusion around locums vs. moonlighting or per diem work. Hint: locum tenens usually offers more structure, support, and perks, like travel, housing, and malpractice coverage. Curious? That’s just Part 1. The rest of the series covers everything from choosing a staffing agency to managing credentialing.
Physician Wellness Retreat
AI-Tools Show Promise in Alleviating Burnout
May 12 | AJMC
As oncology becomes more personalized and data-driven, clinicians are juggling a growing list of demands, from evolving treatment guidelines to new technologies, while staying focused on patient care. At the 2025 Community Oncology Conference, leaders from Flatiron Health discussed how integrated AI tools and smarter EHR interfaces are beginning to ease that load. For many oncologists, technology is no longer just a compliance box; it’s starting to feel like relief.
Dr. Stephen Speicher, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and Flatiron’s senior medical director, called burnout a daily concern for practicing oncologists. What’s changing, he said, is that physicians are finally seeing tech, like AI-powered clinical decision support and ambient dictation, not as another burden, but as a way to reduce the friction of documentation and surface insights buried in unstructured data. It’s not about adding more tools, but making them work for clinicians.
Flatiron’s Kate Estep noted that the industry is shifting away from fragmented “point solutions” and toward deeper integration within the EHR. AI can improve the quality of conversations between physicians and patients when that happens. Practices aren’t just curious; they’re ready. For oncologists exhausted by admin overload and information chaos, the promise of tech that truly supports their workflow is finally within reach.
Burnout’s Still a Problem for Internists, And the West Is Feeling It Most
May 7 | Physicians Weekly
It turns out that internal medicine isn’t immune to burnout fatigue. A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that about 1 in 10 internists nationwide are battling serious burnout. Researchers from the University of Michigan surveyed 629 physicians and found that burnout doesn’t seem to care where you work; whether it’s a community hospital, a VA facility, or an academic center, the rates stayed roughly the same. Even your role didn’t make much of a difference. Primary care doctors, hospitalists, outpatient-only physicians, and inpatient-only physicians all feel the burn.
But geography? That’s where things got interesting. The Western US reported a burnout rate of 15%, while the South came in much lower at 7%. So while the job description may not matter, your zip code might.
The takeaway: burnout isn’t about a single setting. It’s baked into the system. Until that changes, internists everywhere are stuck carrying the load.
Physician Burnout Is Easing, But Don’t Call It a Comeback Just Yet
May 13 | American Medical Association
After years of red-alert burnout levels, things are finally starting to cool down, but not across the board. In 2024, just over 43% of physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout, down from 53% in 2022, according to fresh AMA data. Emergency medicine, family medicine, and OBGYN still top the stress charts, but all those specialties’ burnout numbers dipped this year. Job satisfaction also ticked up, giving providers and organizations a rare win in the fight for physician well-being.
Emergency docs are still feeling the heat, with burnout affecting 52%, though that’s a few points lower than last year. Internal medicine, hospitalists, and pediatricians also reported improvement, though long hours, administrative hurdles, and emotional overload remain part of the gig. The AMA’s takeaway? Real progress will take more than surface-level fixes. If we keep this momentum, physicians need tailored support, flexible solutions, and fewer hoops to jump through.
On the bright side, some health systems are getting it right. From telehealth-integrated mental health services at Henry Ford Health to peer coaching and concierge work-life support at Confluence Health, organizations prioritizing wellness give physicians a reason to stay. The AMA’s Joy in Medicine recognition list now includes 130 groups stepping up to reduce burnout and help physicians enjoy practicing medicine again.
Doctor’s Notes
Interview Tips for Physicians and APPs
May 1 | DocCafe
Great credentials will open the door, but the interview gets you the offer. According to Banner Health’s Sydnie Vargas, every step of the interview process matters, from greeting the front desk staff to answering curveball questions. Her top tip? Be ready with a strong elevator pitch that showcases your clinical chops, your passion for care, and why you’re the right fit for the role. Think of it as your 30-second headline, and make it count.
Once you’ve made your intro, expect the usual suspects: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why this specialty?” and “Why do you want to work here?” Vargas recommends keeping your answers honest, focused, and tied to the organization’s mission. And don’t shy away from the classic “What’s your biggest weakness?” question. Done right, it’s a chance to show self-awareness and growth. Whether it’s tech troubles or conflict avoidance, recruiters want to hear how you’re actively working to improve.
To stand out, show off both your clinical skills and emotional intelligence. Be ready to discuss specific procedures, certifications, or technologies, and how you’ve built trust with patients or managed tricky team dynamics. And don’t forget to follow up. A timely thank-you email that recaps highlights from your interview can go a long way. In this job market, the little things matter; mastering them can tip the scales in your favor.
These States Are Hot for Healthcare Providers in 2025
May 8 | MASC Medical
Where you practice can make or break your career, and in 2025, some states are making a serious case for why you should pack your bags. High salaries, job demand, and a strong work-life balance are the name of the game in states like Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and Colorado. Meanwhile, California and Washington are luring providers with innovation, top-tier health systems, and higher paychecks. And if you’re looking to sidestep burnout, states with better staffing ratios, support systems, and financial incentives (hello, loan forgiveness and no state income tax) are worth a long look.
Nurses and advanced practice providers especially benefit from choosing their state wisely. Full-practice states offer greater autonomy, and the demand for nurse practitioners, mental health providers, and specialists continues to climb. With retirement booms in places like Arizona and Florida, and tech-friendly environments in California and Washington, there’s plenty of opportunity to level up if you’re strategic. But don’t forget: a fat paycheck doesn’t go far if you’re paying a fortune in rent or scrambling without solid support staff.
Not ready to commit to a cross-country move? Locum tenens gives you a front-row seat to try before you buy. You can find the right mix of pace, culture, and compensation by testing out assignments in rural towns, big cities, or telehealth gigs. Pair that experience with a savvy recruiter who knows the state-specific quirks, and you’re not just guessing; you’re building a career plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
2025 AAPA Salary Report: PA Pay Up Nearly 6%
April 30 | American Academy of Physician Assistants
PA salaries are increasing, and quickly too. The 2025 AAPA Salary Report shows that total median compensation for physician associates/assistants hit $134,000 this year, a nearly 6% jump from 2023. Median hourly rates climbed to $75, up from $70. Hospital-based PAs are doing especially well, reporting a median salary of $140,000. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or just kicking off your PA career, the trend is clear: demand is high, and the paycheck is catching up.
But income isn’t the only shift. Nearly half of all PAs now incorporate telehealth into their clinical work, up from just under 10% pre-pandemic. In primary care, that number jumps to a whopping 76%. The report also breaks down cost-of-living-adjusted salaries, revealing that while states like California and Hawaii lead in raw pay, places like Oklahoma, Michigan, and Missouri stretch those dollars further.
More good news for the profession’s future: 59% of today’s PAs are under 40, and most are clustered in metro areas, though PAs practicing in rural communities are more likely to work in primary care. The takeaway? This young, fast-growing workforce is expanding access to care nationwide. And with more detailed salary breakdowns by specialty, setting, and state coming soon, PAs looking to explore locum tenens opportunities or optimize their earning potential will have some serious data to work with.
Sponsored Content
How One Radiologist Boosted Her Pay by $80K Without Leaving Her Hometown
February 17 | The Doctor’s CPA
Dr. Shah was a full-time radiologist with a packed schedule, three kids under five, and a tax bill that swallowed a third of her income. Between missed milestones at home and financial strain from her W-2 status, she knew something had to give. When a local locum tenens opportunity came her way, she hesitated because she worried about losing benefits, handling taxes herself, and whether the lower-seeming pay would be worth it. But after partnering with The Doctor’s CPA, she crunched the real numbers, and everything changed.
By switching from a traditional W-2 job to a local locum contract, Dr. Shah increased her annual take-home pay from $264K to $345K. Strategic planning helped her preserve health insurance, roll over her retirement funds, and even negotiate tax-free malpractice coverage. She also unlocked new retirement savings options—contributing over $100K annually, far beyond the limits of her old employer plan. And since the contract didn’t require travel, she got the financial upside of locums without sacrificing time with her family.
The move didn’t just pay off; it transformed her lifestyle. With greater flexibility, a lighter administrative load, and sharper financial tools, Dr. Shah gained control over her career and calendar. Her story proves that with the correct planning, locum tenens isn’t just a paycheck. It’s a power move.
