How to choose a locum tenens staffing agency: What to look for and why it matters

When managing staffing at your facility, time and resources are already stretched. The last thing you need is a locum tenens staffing partner that complicates things—or worse, sends you candidates who don’t fit your facility’s needs. But with so many agencies out there, how do you know which one to choose?

Finding the right locum tenens agency isn’t about who can fill a position the fastest. It’s about working with a partner that understands your challenges, delivers high-quality providers, and simplifies the process for you. With more than half of healthcare facilities now using locum tenens physicians—and many spending over $1 million annually¹—it’s more important than ever to choose wisely.

Here’s what to look for when comparing healthcare staffing agencies—and why these factors should be part of your decision-making process.

Focus on deliverability and provider quality

According to CHG Healthcare’s 2023 Client Awareness and Perception Study, deliverability and candidate quality are the top two factors healthcare organizations consider when choosing a locum tenens staffing agency. It makes sense; if an agency can’t consistently deliver qualified candidates who match your needs, it doesn’t matter how fast they respond or how flashy their technology seems.

At Weatherby Healthcare, we’ve built a reputation around delivering providers who are a clinical and cultural match. We focus exclusively on placing physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs in locum tenens roles, which means our recruiters understand the nuances of medical specialties, credentialing, and hospital expectations.

In fact, 49% of staffing personnel have a positive perception of Weatherby¹, making us one of the most trusted names in the industry.

We recruit the best: 6 ways Weatherby ensures you get a quality locum every time

Ensure they screen providers thoroughly

You’re not just hiring a body to fill a gap—you’re bringing in someone who will care for your patients and represent your organization. That’s why candidate screening and credentialing are also top priorities for staffing leaders.

Here are a few questions you can ask to vet potential agencies:

• What does your physician credentialing process involve?

• How do you ensure providers are a good fit for our facility and community?

• Can you share performance metrics or client feedback?

Weatherby’s vetting process includes license verification, references, malpractice checks, and a robust credentialing team that helps you get physicians working with patients faster. And if issues arise, we act quickly to support your team and the provider.

“One of the things we do differently than other companies is we really spend a lot of time getting to know our doctors,” says one Weatherby consultant in the hospitalist division. “We’re looking to see if this is a doctor we can work with or not.” 

Don’t take it from us: How locum tenens physicians compare to staff physicians in quality of care

Get assistance with logistics

From scheduling and licensing to billing and credentialing, locum tenens staffing can involve a lot of moving parts. If your agency isn’t handling the heavy lifting, those responsibilities can land on your already overburdened team.

A full 61% of staffing professionals say technology could help ease credentialing delays, and 41% say it could shorten the time to fill¹. That’s where the right partner can make a big difference—not just through tech tools, but with experienced people behind the scenes managing logistics.

Evaluate billing transparency and cost

It’s no secret that cost is a concern; 88% of facilities cite it as a drawback when using locums¹. But price alone doesn’t paint the full picture. Many staffing leaders also point to billing accuracy and contract clarity as must-haves. 

When comparing agencies, ask:

• How are rates structured?

• Who handles contract negotiation?

• How do they ensure billing accuracy?

At Weatherby, we work closely with finance executives and teams to ensure transparent, accurate invoicing. Our contracts are easy to navigate, and our teams are responsive if something doesn’t look right.

By the numbers: The cost of hiring locum tenens for your practice or facility

Value alignment and partnership

A strong agency-client relationship can make the difference between constant frustration and long-term success. In fact, 67% of staffing professionals say shared values are important when choosing a staffing partner, and 68% say the recruiter relationship is critical¹.

Our clients often tell us they appreciate our collaborative approach. We’re not here to pitch you providers who don’t fit your needs—we’re here to build long-term partnerships that evolve with your goals.

Ask around to find the best options

While some may get introduced to agencies through industry events or agency outreach, 67% of staffing professionals say colleague recommendations are the most common way they find staffing partners¹. Still, no matter how you’re introduced, doing your homework is critical.

Many facilities work with multiple agencies—but ideally, they’d prefer to rely on fewer, more dependable ones. The key is finding an agency that offers the depth, consistency, and follow-through needed to reduce coverage gaps and support continuity of care.

Choose a partner the whole team can trust

Choosing a staffing agency is a team decision. Most healthcare facilities involve a mix of leaders—including recruiters, executives, and clinical directors—when opening jobs or signing contracts with agencies. So, it’s important to choose an agency that earns trust at every level.

Choosing a locum tenens staffing agency isn’t just a transaction—it’s a long-term partnership. Look for a partner that listens, delivers, aligns with your mission, and acts with integrity.

Weatherby Healthcare can help you solve your healthcare organization’s staffing challenges. Give us a call at 954.343.3050 to learn more.

¹CHG Healthcare Client Awareness and Perception Survey 2023.