While locum tenens providers are often viewed as temporary stopgaps, the reality is that they can deliver a significant return on investment (ROI) far beyond short-term coverage. Here’s what your facility is really getting when you bring locums into the fold:

<p>In a time when healthcare organizations are navigating workforce shortages, rising patient demands, and budget pressures, staffing decisions must be more than reactive—they must be strategic. While locum tenens providers are often viewed as temporary stopgaps, the reality is that they can deliver a significant return on investment (ROI) far beyond short-term coverage.</p>

<p> Here’s what your facility is really getting when you bring locums into the fold:</p>

<h3> Continuity of Care = Better Outcomes</h3>

<p>Every shift covered by a locum provider helps maintain continuity in patient care. Delayed or canceled appointments due to gaps in coverage can lead to complications, readmissions, or patient dissatisfaction. Locums help keep the care pipeline flowing, ensuring quality doesn’t slip through the cracks.</p>
<p>According to a report by CHG Healthcare, 74% of healthcare facilities have used locum tenens to maintain continuity of care and avoid gaps in service.</p>

<h3> Reduced Burnout, Increased Retention</h3>
<p>Overworked staff are more likely to experience burnout—and leave. By using locums to support your full-time team during peak periods, vacations, or staffing transitions, you create breathing room for your core providers. The result? Higher morale, fewer call-outs, and better long-term retention.</p>

<p>A 2023 AMA survey found that 63% of physicians reported experiencing burnout, and 40% considered reducing hours or leaving their current position. Supplemental support like locums can significantly reduce this risk.</p>

<h3> Financial Stability Through Revenue Capture</h3>
<p>Unfilled shifts and provider vacancies can mean lost revenue. Locum providers allow facilities to continue generating income by keeping services active. From surgeries to specialty clinics, having the right clinician in place keeps billing cycles moving and helps facilities avoid costly slowdowns.</p>
<p>A study from Staff Care shows that a <strong>single vacant physician position can cost a hospital an average of $130,000 in lost revenue per month.</strong> Locums help offset this loss.</p>

<h3> Flexibility That Matches Market Realities</h3>
<p> The healthcare workforce is changing. Many clinicians are choosing nontraditional career paths, including part-time and contract work. Leveraging locums allows your facility to adapt to this evolving landscape while staying fully staffed.</p>

<p>Nearly 50,000 physicians work locum tenens assignments each year in the U.S., according to the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO).</p>

<h3> Peace of Mind with Built-In Support</h3>
<p>When you work with a trusted locums staffing partner, you gain more than a provider. You get licensing, credentialing, travel coordination, and onboarding support—all streamlined to reduce administrative burden and speed up time to fill.</p>

<p> Facilities working with experienced locums partners report <strong>up to 40% faster fill times</strong> and increased provider satisfaction.
</p>

<h3> Strategic, Not Just Supplemental</h3>
<p>Locums are no longer just a short-term fix. They are a long-term strategy for resilient, responsive staffing. When you calculate the true ROI—from continuity of care to revenue preservation—the value is clear.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/locums/client-solutions?utm_source=Website&&utm_campaign=Blog" target="_blank">Ready to explore how locums can boost your staffing strategy? Let’s talk.</a></p>

<p> Cross Country Locums. Relief, redefined. </p>


The ROI of Relief: What You’re Really Getting When You Invest in Locum Tenens

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