How locum tenens works with CompHealth: Getting started
July 6, 2026
Whether you’re fresh out of medical school or planning to retire from medicine in a few years, locum tenens assignments can be an excellent way to try out new settings while still earning a paycheck. Read on for everything you need to know about how locum tenens works—and how to start locum tenens with CompHealth.
What is locum tenens?
A Latin phrase for “hold the place of,” locum tenens refers to a physician, physician assistant (PA), or nurse practitioner (NP) who temporarily substitutes for another healthcare worker.
Why are locum tenens providers needed?
Physicians accept locum tenens assignments for various reasons, including:
Filling in for another physician who is on leave
Providing coverage while a hospital is hiring a full-time provider
Caring for patients who live in remote areas where it is difficult to staff doctors
Relieving overworked staff members during high patient census times
How to start locum tenens with CompHealth?
If you’re interested in pursuing locum tenens jobs, you’ll call CompHealth and be connected with a recruiter. They will ask questions about your background, job goals (e.g., supplementing your income, having more control over your schedule), and desired locations and compensation. Once you have an initial conversation, your recruiter will begin searching for jobs that align with your needs and interests.
MyCompHealth profile
You’ll create a profile on the MyCompHealth portal, CompHealth’s locum tenens assignment system, to keep all your important information in one place. Required documents include your CV, copies of your licenses and certifications, work history, and references.
After creating a MyCompHealth account, you can also log into the MyCompHealth app, which makes it easy to view open jobs and even tell your recruiter whether you’re interested with just a tap.
Job alerts
Your recruiter will send you assignments they think you may be interested in based on your preferences. Remember: You are always in control. If you prefer a text or email about jobs, or only want a weekly job alert, you can let your recruiter know. They want you to be happy and will not contact any employers about positions unless you approve it.
Facility presentations
When you find a locum tenens job you’re interested in, your recruiter will submit your profile to the facility’s hiring manager. If the hiring manager wants to move forward, the recruiter can schedule any needed interviews, negotiate the salary, and explain all the details (schedule, patient census, type of facility) with you.
Contract help
If you and the facility agree on the assignment terms, you’ll sign a contract that includes your schedule, salary, start date, and other terms. Your recruiter has experience with contracts and will help you through this process.
How locums works with CompHealth
Preparing for your assignment
As you approach your first locum tenens assignment, CompHealth professionals will help with everything else you need. While your recruiter will continue to be your main point of contact, you’ll also begin working with an assignment coordinator about 50 days before you start your assignment. They can answer any questions about the job and how locum tenens works if your recruiter is unavailable.
CompHealth also has dedicated teams to help with the following aspects of your assignment:
Licensing and credentialing
Coordinators work with you to upload documents and references required for physician credentialing and licensing (if you need a new license to work in a different state).
Hospital privileging
You’ll often need to be authorized to work at a specific facility, so a CompHealth coordinator will contact you to help with this paperwork.
Travel and housing
You’ll have a furnished apartment or hotel room to stay in while you’re on assignment. CompHealth also covers the cost of your airfare and rental car. The housing and travel teams will be in touch with you to book these, and they will save all details in the MyCompHealth portal and app so you can access them at any time.
On the job
When your start date is close, you’ll arrive at your apartment or hotel room and check in with your recruiter. Most physicians like to arrive at the facility at least one day early so they can become familiar with the commute and the area. You can also meet your new colleagues and walk around the hospital to easily locate your department, the restroom, and the cafeteria.
You’ll then head to the facility on your start date, complete the onboarding requirements, and get to work. Your recruiter will be available to answer questions or help with concerns that arise.
Getting paid
Enter your hours through the MyCompHealth app or online portal. CompHealth will pay you weekly through direct deposit.
Locum tenens physicians generally work as independent contractors, so you don’t receive healthcare or retirement benefits [like a 401(k) plan] through CompHealth. Many physicians enroll through a spouse or partner’s plan or get health insurance through a health exchange.
Though you must pay for your own healthcare coverage, CompHealth does pay for claims-made malpractice insurance, including tail coverage.
Additionally, independent contractors must pay state and federal taxes, as CompHealth does not automatically deduct taxes from your pay.
Malpractice and taxes: What locum tenens physicians need to know
After your assignment
Tell your recruiter what went well and what could be improved in the CompHealth locum tenens process, whether you liked the location or want to try a new area, and whether you’re ready to look for another job.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get started on a locum tenens assignment?
Once you have provided the necessary paperwork, such as your CV, education, certifications, and references, your recruiter will begin searching for jobs that match your preferences. Depending on credentialing and licensing (which vary by state and facility), you could be on your assignment anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
Do I receive healthcare benefits?
Since locum tenens physicians are generally classified as independent contractors, they do not receive healthcare benefits from CompHealth or from the facility where they’ll be working. If they work locum tenens on the side, physicians usually do not need additional coverage. Those working locum tenens as their primary employment get insurance through a healthcare marketplace or have coverage through a spouse or partner’s employment.
Do I have to travel long distances?
Not always. You can often find assignments within a few hours of home.
How do I get paid?
CompHealth will pay you weekly via direct deposit. Your contract will include details on pay structure and schedule.
Is malpractice coverage included?
Yes, CompHealth provides claims-made malpractice insurance, including tail coverage.
Interested in locum tenens opportunities in your specialty? View current locum tenens openings or give us a call at 800.453.3030. You’re closer than you think—and CompHealth will support you every step of the way.