Nick Palmer
Founder & Lead Researcher at LocumTrust
Nick built this directory to help hospital administrators find reputable locum tenens agencies without wading through vendors who oversell their provider networks — a credibility gap he discovered while researching physician staffing options for a rural health system facing an unexpected specialist vacancy.
Expertise
Published Articles
Industry (2)
Will AI Replace Locum Tenens Agencies? (The Honest Answer)
AI already handles the slow parts of locum tenens agency work. See which tools cut placement time and what only human recruiters can still do.
Locum Tenens Agency Industry Trends: What's Changing in 2026
The locum tenens agency market hits $9.9B in 2026 as top agencies slash credentialing timelines and shift to APP staffing — see what separates winners from…
General (4)
Are Cheap Locum Tenens Agencies Worth It? The Real Cost of Cutting Corners
A locum tenens agency that's $18/hour cheaper often cuts credentialing support, not margin — here's the pattern that burns facilities and how to spot it.
Locum Tenens Agency Costs by State: Where You'll Pay More (And Less)
Checking for relevant skills before responding. Locum tenens agency rates vary 20–30% by state — Arkansas pays 128% of national median. See which 4–5 states…
Locum Tenens Agency Equipment: What Matters and What's Marketing
Most locum tenens agency pitches get the equipment question wrong. Credentialing infra and VMS integration beat any AI tool — see the audit that matters.
Remote vs. In-Person Locum Tenens Agencies: Which Is Better?
Remote or in-person locum tenens agency? Hybrid wins — see when each model cuts costs, prevents burnout, and fills that 8 AM rural slot.
City Guides (2)
Best Locum Tenens Agencies in Los Angeles (2026 Guide)
LA's locum tenens agency market is vast but uneven — see which 3 agencies lead on specialty depth, CA credentialing speed, and upfront pay transparency.
Best Locum Tenens Agencies in New York (2026 Guide)
Top-rated locum tenens agency picks for New York's unique market — Custom Group leads 10 consecutive ClearlyRated wins. Verify NY placement history before…
Certifications & Legal (2)
Certified vs. Uncertified Locum Tenens Agencies: Does the Credential Matter?
Credentialing gaps cost one hospital its accreditation. Here's when a locum tenens agency's NALTO certification is a genuine safeguard — not just a badge.
NALTO Member (National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations) Certification: Why It Matters (And When It Doesn't)
NALTO membership signals ethics commitments, but 160+ member agencies vary widely. Know what the certification actually covers — and what to ask instead.
Guides (5)
How Much Does a Locum Tenens Agency Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Locum tenens agencies bill $540–$600/hr but pocket 40–50% as markup — this breakdown shows every hidden fee hospital administrators need before signing a…
The Complete Guide to Locum Tenens Agencies
Wrong locum tenens agency? Three weeks of unfilled call is the cost. What NALTO membership, JCAHO credentialing, and 2am responsiveness actually signal.…
How to Choose a Locum Tenens Agency: What Nobody Tells You
85% of physicians prioritize ethics over agency size. Find out how hospital CMOs vet a locum tenens agency before credentialing stalls.
What Does a Locum Tenens Agency Actually Do? (Behind the Scenes)
A locum tenens agency recruits physicians, handles credentialing, licensing, travel, and malpractice — so your facility gets qualified coverage fast…
What to Expect When You Hire a Locum Tenens Agency (Step by Step)
From first call to first shift takes 60–90 days. This locum tenens agency guide lays out every step, realistic timelines, and the doc gaps that cause delays.
Hiring (2)
15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Locum Tenens Agency
Most locum tenens agency problems are friction, not fraud. Use these 15 questions on malpractice tail, pay terms, and turnover before you sign.
7 Red Flags When Hiring a Locum Tenens Agency (And How to Avoid Them)
7 locum tenens agency red flags — CV double-submission, exclusivity lies, 30-day scrambles — explained with NALTO standards so you hire the right partner.