The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is set to transform healthcare in the US. Is this a looming crisis or opportunity for physicians?
Welcome to Locums CME 61, Locumpedia’s bi-weekly news roundup that helps physicians and APPs maximize their locum tenens lifestyle.
Our lead story: The so-called Big Beautiful Bill brings historic cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, creating new pressures for hospitals, safety-net facilities, and patients nationwide. For many, this means fewer resources and heavier workloads. But for locum tenens physicians, it also opens doors, including direct care models and increased telehealth opportunities. With rising administrative burdens and facility closures, flexible physicians with portable skills and diverse income streams, such as consulting, teaching, or coaching, will be primed to fill patient care gaps.
Also in this edition of Locums CME: Why locum tenens mirrors the freedom of private practice without the overhead, the 12 most in-demand locum specialties in 2025, how telehealth can expand access in rural communities, and how AI scribes are helping reduce burnout. Plus, a few practical tips to keep your work-life balance strong.
Is The One Big Beautiful Bill a Catalyst or Crisis for Your Medical Career?
August 23 | Kevin MD
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill slashes nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and $500 billion from Medicare, putting millions of patients and hundreds of hospitals at risk. For locum tenens physicians, that means more complex patient populations, fewer support resources, and rising pressure on safety-net and rural facilities where many locums are called to step in. If you’re working in ER, OB/GYN, or primary care, expect higher volumes and more uncompensated care in the years ahead.
Still, locum providers are uniquely positioned to adapt to these changes. This bill opens new pathways for Direct Primary Care models that work with HSA plans starting in 2026. Telehealth is now permanently eligible for pre-deductible coverage, making virtual locums more viable in the long term. With rising administrative burdens and facility closures, flexible physicians with portable skills and diverse income streams, like consulting, teaching, or coaching, will have the upper hand.
This moment is less about panic and more about positioning. Locum work offers the freedom to choose how and where you practice, but it also demands clarity. Know your values, understand your contracts, and be ready to pivot. The physicians who thrive will be those who remain curious, think creatively, and build careers that reflect the life they truly want.
Your Locums Prescription
So You’re Thinking About Locum Tenens? Here’s What to Know Before You Dive In
July 31 | The Hospitalist
Locum tenens work offers hospitalists an appealing mix of flexibility, variety, and competitive pay; however, succeeding in this space requires more than just showing up. Physicians interviewed across the country emphasize the importance of doing your homework: vet multiple agencies, clarify contract terms (especially those related to cancellations, non-compete clauses, and malpractice coverage), and keep credentialing documents organized and readily available. Even small details, such as managing your own travel or confirming holiday pay, can make a significant difference. Having a lawyer review your contract early on can also help you avoid costly missteps.
On assignment, onboarding quality varies, so flexibility is key. To make transitions smoother, connect with hospital staff early, maintain a notebook for each facility, and approach new teams with a collaborative mindset. You may be temporary, but pitching in when you’re able builds goodwill fast. Travel fatigue and isolation are real, so plan for downtime and find ways to stay socially connected during and between assignments.
While there are trade-offs, like inconsistent scheduling or feeling like an outsider, the upsides are clear: more autonomy, diverse practice settings, and greater control over your time and income. For many, locum work offers a smart and adaptable career strategy.
Locum Tenens Provides Freedom Like Private Practice, Without the Overhead
August 4 | Medicus Healthcare Solutions
Private practice offers control, flexibility, and deeper patient relationships, but it also comes with significant responsibilities, including staffing, overhead, and long-term planning. For physicians seeking autonomy without the responsibilities of ownership, locum tenens is a compelling alternative. You choose when and where you work, maintain focus on patient care, and step away from the job when your shift ends. That kind of balance is rare to find in traditional practice settings.
Locums also allows you to make a meaningful impact, especially in rural or underserved communities. Rather than committing to a single location, you gain clinical variety and exposure to new patient populations and care models. Over time, these diverse experiences sharpen your skills and deepen your ability to deliver patient-centered care wherever you go.
And when it comes to finances, locum assignments often offer higher hourly pay and added control over your earning potential, without the startup costs or financial risks associated with owning a practice. For many, it’s the best of both worlds: flexibility, independence, and purpose, minus the overhead.
The 12 Most In-Demand Locum Tenens Specialties in 2025
August 7 | CompHealth
Whether you’re a seasoned locum or just testing the waters, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year to explore high-demand specialties. Surgical fields, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, OB-GYN, and family medicine top the list, offering flexibility, competitive pay, and a chance to avoid burnout. Many physicians are using locum work to build careers that align with their lives rather than the other way around. The autonomy to choose your hours, travel (or stay local), and focus on patient care is turning more heads each year.
Specialties like internal medicine, radiology, psychiatry, and gastroenterology also offer strong locum prospects due to physician shortages, growing patient demand, and increased rates of burnout in permanent roles. Practitioners shared how locums lets them control their schedules, test out new work settings, and even reduce administrative strain while still earning a solid income. From rural ERs to urban imaging centers, the need for flexible physicians is only growing.
Whether you’re seeking flexibility, exploring new locations, or transitioning into semi-retirement, there’s likely a locum opportunity that aligns with your goals. High-need specialties offer strong demand and the freedom to build a career that works for you on your terms.
Designing a Career (and Life) You Love Through Locum Tenens
August 4 | Floyd Lee Locums
Locum tenens offers physicians the opportunity to accelerate financial goals while maintaining greater control over their schedules, location, and overall lifestyle. With higher pay rates, lower overhead costs, and perks such as housing and travel reimbursement, locum assignments offer significant benefits. Think flexibility to pay off student loans faster, save aggressively, or simply enjoy more freedom. Unlike traditional roles, you’re not bound by restrictive schedules or bureaucratic demands. Instead, you decide when and where to work, giving you the time and space to prioritize personal well-being and family life.
The financial advantages of locum work go beyond paychecks. As independent contractors, locum physicians can leverage retirement savings tools like SEP-IRAs and HSAs, track deductible expenses, and create customized wealth-building strategies.
From conquering debt to enjoying guilt-free time off, locum tenens puts physicians in the driver’s seat. Whether you’re working full-time as a locum or using it as a side gig, the lifestyle flexibility and financial empowerment are unmatched. With the right partner, locums offers economic opportunities and the chance to design a lifestyle that suits your needs.
Why More CRNAs Are Choosing Locum Tenens
August 20 | MPLT Healthcare
As healthcare evolves and demands on CRNAs grow, many are turning to locum tenens for greater control over their careers. These roles offer flexible schedules that help reduce burnout, especially for those navigating caregiving responsibilities or recovering from demanding permanent positions. CRNAs can tailor their assignments to match their lifestyle, choosing when and where to work without long-term commitments, making it easier to find balance and prioritize personal well-being.
Locum tenens also allows CRNAs to explore diverse clinical environments, broadening their experience and sharpening their skills. This exposure helps clinicians discover their ideal work settings, refine their career goals, and even transition into new subspecialties. For those in states with independent practice privileges, certain assignments also offer the chance to work with greater autonomy, which can boost confidence and job satisfaction.
Whether you’re early in your career, mid-transition, or easing into semi-retirement, locum tenens provides structure and income without locking you into rigid roles. With rising demand for CRNAs nationwide, locum opportunities are growing in number and competitiveness, often offering higher compensation and better benefits. Ultimately, locum tenens empowers CRNAs to build a career around their goals, one that supports both their personal life and their professional impact.
AI On Call
How AI Is Reshaping Medical Licensing and Hiring
July 25 | HIT Consultant
As healthcare systems face increasing staffing challenges, artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool to speed up and standardize credentialing processes. Known as algorithmic credentialing, this approach uses machine learning to evaluate a provider’s qualifications against predefined benchmarks. The result? Faster onboarding, fewer administrative errors, and dynamic, real-time updates to your credentials. Some hospitals report that credentialing times have been cut by 60%, meaning locum tenens physicians and clinicians can get to work faster in critical roles.
This AI-driven system could also open doors for international clinicians by enabling them to recognize global talent more efficiently. However, concerns around data accuracy, transparency, and regulation still need to be addressed. Mistakes in data input can lead to qualified professionals being incorrectly flagged, and many AI systems operate without clear explanations of how decisions are made. As adoption grows, strong cybersecurity, digital literacy, and oversight will be essential to ensure fairness and accountability.
Algorithmic credentialing isn’t about replacing human judgment but enhancing it. For locum tenens professionals navigating state licensing hurdles or frequently changing jobs, this technology could make credentialing more streamlined and portable, helping you transition between assignments with less friction and greater flexibility.
Ambient AI Scribes Show Promise in Easing Clinician Burnout
August 21 | Tech Target
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open highlights how ambient AI scribe technology can significantly reduce clinician burnout and improve well-being. Conducted across Mass General Brigham and Emory Healthcare, the study tracked physicians who used AI scribes for at least 42 days. These tools use generative AI to capture patient-provider conversations and draft visit notes, freeing up clinicians to spend more time with patients and less on documentation. Results showed a notable decrease in burnout rates and an improvement in job satisfaction, with many clinicians reporting increased joy and a better work-life balance.
Though the response rate was modest, feedback was largely positive. Many clinicians said the technology helped them reconnect with patient care and reduced administrative fatigue. However, some noted that the tool isn’t ideal for all visit types and, in a few cases, added time to documentation tasks. These mixed responses suggest that ambient AI scribes may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, but they hold strong potential when integrated thoughtfully into clinical workflows.
For locum tenens providers, who often face time-consuming documentation in unfamiliar systems, ambient AI scribes could become a powerful support tool, especially in high-volume environments. As the demand for these technologies grows and EHR companies expand their AI offerings, ambient scribes may become a standard part of modern practice, easing documentation burdens and helping locum professionals focus on what matters most: patient care.
Doximity Acquires Pathway Medical to Enhance AI-Powered Clinical Tools for Physicians
August 7 | CNBC
Doximity, a platform widely used by physicians for networking, referrals, and telehealth, has acquired AI startup Pathway Medical for $63 million to deepen its capabilities in clinical decision support. Pathway’s AI tool helps doctors quickly access guideline-based answers on drugs, trials, and clinical best practices, using one of the most structured medical datasets available. The acquisition signals Doximity’s commitment to becoming both a communication hub and a trusted, AI-powered knowledge resource for physicians on the go.
The integration of Pathway is already underway, with a beta version being tested by thousands of doctors. Doximity plans to combine its existing tool, Doximity GPT, which helps generate letters and summarize records, with Pathway’s rich dataset to offer even more robust and reliable clinical support. Pathway’s model notably scored 96% on the US Medical Licensing Exam benchmark, highlighting its medical accuracy.
For locum tenens physicians, especially those who quickly adapt to new systems and clinical environments, enhanced AI support could make it easier to access up-to-date information on unfamiliar medications, local protocols, or treatment guidelines. As locums increasingly rely on fast, reliable tools to deliver quality care in varied settings, Doximity’s AI expansion could become a valuable asset in streamlining documentation and clinical decision-making.
Physician Wellness Retreat
AMA Survey Reveals Persistent Administrative Burden Behind Reduced Clinical Hours
August 19 | American Medical Association
While physicians are spending fewer hours in clinical settings, a national AMA survey reveals that administrative work outside regular hours continues to strain US doctors. With responses from nearly 18,000 physicians across 43 states, the 2024 AMA Organizational Biopsy reveals that while the average weekly work hours dropped slightly from 59 in 2023 to around 57 in 2024, a significant amount of time is still spent on tasks such as documentation, prior authorizations, and EHR management. Notably, over 22% of physicians reported spending more than eight hours weekly on EHR duties outside of regular working hours, a figure that continues to rise.
In response, many health systems are testing strategies to ease this burden. Examples include AI-enabled documentation at Texas Children’s Pediatrics and University of Iowa Health Care, embedded clinical pharmacists at Northwell Health, and inbox coverage programs during physician vacations at Baptist Health. Organizations like Sutter Health and HCA Healthcare are also addressing inefficiencies through time-saving workflows and staffing models that give clinicians more time to focus on care.
For locum tenens physicians, who frequently rotate between systems, these findings highlight the importance of choosing assignments with strong infrastructure and reduced administrative load. Locums can benefit from environments adopting AI scribes, streamlined EHRs, and support teams that reduce burnout and improve work-life balance. As health systems innovate to improve efficiency, clinicians in flexible roles like locum tenens may gain faster access to sustainable, rewarding work models.
A Practical Toolkit to Combat Physician Burnout
July 24 | Conexiant
Burnout continues to impact nearly half of physicians, but new strategies are helping doctors reclaim control over their well-being. To help, Conexiant outlines 10 actionable approaches to prevent and address burnout, treating it like any other medical condition with early diagnosis, clear boundaries, and deliberate intervention. Tactics range from setting digital cutoffs to using vacation as a legitimate wellness prescription, with studies showing rest reduces errors and improves satisfaction.
Locum tenens physicians, who often balance flexibility with new work environments, can especially benefit from these burnout-fighting tools. Delegating non-critical tasks, embracing wellness tech (like dictation apps or auto-charting tools), and engaging in hobbies outside of medicine can make a significant difference in maintaining mental stamina between contracts. Team-based care and AI-enabled workflows can also reduce charting marathons and unnecessary stress.
Most importantly, physicians are encouraged to reconnect with their personal mission in the field of medicine. Whether through mindfulness, therapy, or meaningful patient interactions, maintaining a clear focus on your purpose is vital. For locum tenens professionals charting their own course, these tips offer a clear prescription for building a career that’s both sustainable and joyful.
Doctor’s Notes
Physician Compensation in 2025: Modest Gains, Major Shifts
August 7 | Medical Economics
Medical Economics recently shared its roundup of seven trends affecting healthcare compensation in 2025. First, Doximity’s 2025 Physician Compensation Report shows a 4% increase in physician pay from 2023 to 2024, but rising inflation and reimbursement cuts have eroded real earnings. Medicare payments continue to decline, and many physicians are working harder just to maintain financial stability. Primary care and pediatric specialties remain among the lowest paid, despite being in high demand, and the gender pay gap has widened again, reaching 26%.
Independent practices are also feeling the pressure, with over 80% of physicians citing declining reimbursement as a threat to practice viability. Many are reducing Medicare/Medicaid patient loads or cutting services to stay afloat. Burnout remains high, with 85% of physicians feeling overworked and nearly 70% considering job changes or early retirement. Increasingly, doctors are prioritizing autonomy and work-life balance over compensation, reflecting a major shift in professional values.
These trends are fueling growing interest in locum tenens work, particularly in internal medicine and family medicine. Physicians are seeking flexible roles that enable them to maintain clinical engagement while avoiding the burdens of full-time employment or private practice ownership. As traditional models face growing instability, locum tenens remains a sustainable and empowering career path.
The Hidden Power of HSAs for Locum Tenens Physicians
August 6 | The White Coat Investor
For locum tenens physicians who thrive on flexibility, a Health Savings Account is a highly underrated financial tool worth prioritizing. If you are covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can contribute up to $8,550 for a family in 2025, directly reducing your taxable income. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. These accounts can also be payroll tax-free when funded through an employer, offering a rare quadruple tax advantage.
An HSA is more than a healthcare fund. It functions like a stealth retirement account, allowing you to invest in mutual funds or alternative assets, such as real estate and cryptocurrency. You can also transfer your HSA between institutions as often as needed with no penalty, provided it’s a direct trustee-to-trustee move. You are allowed to make catch-up contributions after age 55, and under certain conditions, adult children or domestic partners on your HDHP can open their own HSAs and contribute at the family limit.
The flexibility of HSAs continues into retirement. At age 65, you can withdraw funds for non-medical expenses without penalty, similar to an IRA. Funds can also be used for Medicare premiums or donated to charity. Eligible expenses range from acupuncture and orthodontics to fertility treatments and even home modifications for medical needs. For locum physicians seeking to maximize every dollar while minimizing risk and taxes, the HSA provides a smart, versatile addition to your financial strategy.
How Tech and Locums Can Bridge the Physician Shortage
August 23 | Deseret
Across the US, especially in rural areas, the physician shortage is becoming critical. Aging populations, capped medical training programs, and provider burnout are driving gaps in access. Small hospitals, such as Lost Rivers in Arco, Idaho, are employing creative strategies to survive, including offering daycare and partnering with universities, as well as leveraging locum tenens physicians. These “substitute doctors” are helping fill immediate needs, and many are building continuity by returning to the same facilities regularly, allowing patients to develop trust over time.
Technology is playing a pivotal but imperfect role. Telemedicine, remote monitoring, and AI tools are expanding access and reducing some administrative burdens, especially for underserved communities. Programs like Project ECHO connect rural doctors with specialists, while virtual pharmacy models ensure essential services continue to operate. But tech alone can’t replace the human element. Widespread adoption risks eroding trust, particularly if it becomes a replacement rather than a supplement to in-person care.
For locum tenens physicians, this environment presents a growing opportunity. As hospitals adapt, they are increasingly turning to mobile clinicians to help stabilize care amid staffing shortages. Locums provide flexibility, consistency, and human connection where tech solutions fall short, making their role essential in this next chapter of healthcare delivery.
New Federal Rural Health Program Offers Relief But Falls Short of Replacing Medicaid Cuts
August 11 | Daily Montanan
The Rural Health Transformation Program is a new $50 billion federal initiative aimed at helping rural hospitals and providers weather the fallout from over $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Spanning five years, the program was designed to address lawmakers’ concerns about the disproportionate impact these cuts would have on rural communities, where many patients rely heavily on Medicaid. While the funding is seen as a step in the right direction, experts warn that it pales in comparison to the projected $155 billion in rural Medicaid losses over the next decade.
Under the new law, states must submit their detailed spending plans by the end of the year. Half of the annual $10 billion will be evenly distributed among participating states, while the remaining amount will be allocated at the discretion of the CMS Administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz. Funds can be used for essential services like emergency care, rural provider recruitment, mental health support, and telehealth expansion. Yet, with nearly half of rural hospitals already operating at a loss, hospital leaders and policy experts caution that the funds may be insufficient to stabilize the rural healthcare landscape.
For locum tenens physicians, these developments signal increasing demand for flexible, mobile providers who can help rural facilities stay afloat amid funding uncertainty. As states reevaluate health budgets and search for sustainable care models, locums may find more opportunities to deliver care where it’s needed most, especially in communities where full-time staffing is no longer financially viable.
Telehealth as a Lifeline for Rural Health Care’s Future
August 25 | Telehealth.org
As rural health systems struggle with provider shortages and budget constraints, telehealth offers a path forward. Yet many clinics still see it as a stopgap. By reimagining telehealth as a core component of care, rural communities can alleviate travel burdens, expand access to specialists, and foster stronger care networks. When used effectively, virtual visits can match the quality of in-person care and create meaningful provider-patient relationships.
A modern rural telehealth system would prioritize drop-in clinics staffed with local personnel and supported by remote physicians. This model allows specialists to serve wider regions, limit burnout, and focus on subspecialties without relocating. Seamless sharing of patient records and integration of digital tools for chronic care and behavioral health would support better outcomes and continuity of care.
For locum tenens physicians, this shift is a natural fit. Telehealth enables them to deliver high-impact care remotely, minimize travel, and maintain connections with underserved communities. Telehealth is a sustainable solution for rebuilding rural health infrastructure.
Sponsored Content
QBI Deductions in 2026: A Game Changer for Locum Tenens Physicians
July 31 | The Doctor’s CPA
For locum tenens physicians operating as 1099 contractors, significant changes to the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction are scheduled to take effect in 2026. The deduction will increase from 20% to 23%, offering greater tax savings potential, especially for those structured as sole proprietors or S-Corps. Unlike past rules that cut off benefits for high earners, the new law introduces a gradual phase-out, meaning even physicians with higher incomes may qualify for partial deductions.
To maximize these benefits, how you structure your business matters. Using an LLC taxed as an S-Corp allows you to balance W-2 wages with distributions, making it easier to reduce employment taxes while boosting QBI eligibility. Strategic use of retirement plans, property investments, and even payroll for family members can also improve your tax position. If you own multiple entities, aggregating them may help increase your deduction calculation, though specified service trade or business limitations still apply.
Locum tenens physicians should review their income mix and entity structure now to prepare for 2026. Working with a CPA who understands physician tax law can help you navigate the rules and uncover long-term savings. Whether you’re new to locums or looking to fine-tune your strategy, the enhanced QBI deduction makes 2025 the perfect year to plan.
Ten99 Health Simplifies Benefits for Locums Clinicians
August 27 | Ten99 Health
Ten99 Health has launched a new benefits platform tailored for independent contractors, including locum tenens physicians. Designed to simplify access to core benefits, the platform offers PPO health, dental, vision, and group life insurance options built specifically for 1099 workers. Coverage is portable, with plan flexibility that reflects the needs of professionals who move between assignments and locations.
Enrollment is open year-round, so there’s no need to wait for a specific window. Apply by the 15th of any month, and coverage can begin the next day. Ten99 Health also provides support for plan selection, claims questions, and administrative needs, giving independent workers the kind of HR support often reserved for full-time employees.
For 2025, sample premiums are published upfront: individual health plans start at approximately $938 per month, while family plans cost around $2,093. Optional dental, vision, life, and administrative add-ons are also available. The goal is simple: make essential benefits accessible, predictable, and easy to manage for physicians working outside the traditional employment model.
