VISTA Workforce Optimization

The Maine Hospital Association (MHA) is the primary advocate for community-governed hospitals located in the state with the Maine State Legislature, the U.S. Congress, and federal and state regulatory agencies. Based in Augusta, Maine, MHA formed a partnership with VISTA in 2004 to find a solution to hospital staffing shortages.

We spoke with Tamara Butts, MHA Director of Business Development and Administration, to talk about the organization and its partnership with VISTA.

2021 National Locum Tenens Week happens August 9 through August 13. Led by the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), this year's agenda also celebrates NALTO's 20 years of operation. 

Misinformation continues to surround the use of the Q6 modifier, or the billing for services provided by a locum tenens physician, resulting in mistakes that prove costly or even detrimental to practices, as they may result in audits or further disciplinary action.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Locum tenens can help maintain your continuity of coverage while preserving your revenue stream. 

• 94% of healthcare facility managers hired locum tenens providers, including NPs and PAs, within the past year
• 80% of healthcare facility managers rate locum tenens providers as worth the cost
• 75% of healthcare facility managers use locum tenens providers during permanent search or to address turnover
• 50% of healthcare facility recruiters' time is spent on the management and utilization of locum tenens providers while performing a permanent search
• 10% of healthcare facility managers use locum tenens conversions to fill full-time openings