Why do hospitals use travel doctors? This is a question that I get asked a lot from my patients. They want to be able to go to the doctor when they need to but they don’t want to be traveling from town to town. This is a big inconvenience because not only are they losing out on seeing the doctor but they also are missing out on getting routine care if they are traveling a great distance. This is one of the primary reasons why I started my career as a traveling doctor.
A traveling doctor can offer quality medical care by flying from their location to another medical facility. The benefits of this are very valuable to both patients and doctors alike. Instead of a patient needing to make several trips back and forth to see their doctor, they only have to make one trip and this greatly reduces stress and makes the patient more comfortable. Some people are wary of using a traveling doctor because they might be inexperienced or might not have as much experience as a hospital-established doctor.
Another reason why many hospitals employ a traveling doctor is because of the cost involved. When a doctor works in an out-of-town location, they will make less money than one located in the city. This means that some traveling doctors have to take on extra jobs so they can make enough money to live on. This means that the traveling doctor will not only put their medical skills to the test but also put their personal life on the line. It’s definitely a risky option when you consider the long-term effects of a bad surgery or an inexperienced medical professional handling your sensitive information.
There is a way to circumvent all these problems. If you have already been working in the medical field for some years, then you can opt to become a locum tenens. This means that you are available to travel around the country whenever a patient needs you. In this capacity, you will receive a specific contract that specifies when you can travel and for how long. The downside is that the locum tenens position is not offered to everyone and so you will have to apply for it.
Another reason why hospitals hire a traveling doctor is that they don’t want to have to do paperwork. Some doctors make home visits and handle minor issues themselves before flying off to the next appointment. These doctors don’t have to do paperwork, process insurance claims, arrange transportation, or worry about scheduling someone to watch their cat if something happens to the doctor while they are traveling. The best part is that a hospital can provide their doctors with hotel rooms and even limousines upon request. This means that if a doctor has to cancel a surgical procedure due to a family emergency, the hospital has already taken care of everything.
Finally, doctors who travel extensively might want to consider working for a larger hospital once they settle down in their new home. It is entirely possible for doctors to find employment at smaller institutions if they are able to find work where they plan on staying long-term. In fact, smaller hospitals might be the ideal place for a travel doctor. Not only will they have a smaller staff to deal with, but they might be located in an area where the majority of their patients live.
All in all, there are many reasons why doctors choose to travel. It can be cheaper, more convenient, more comfortable, and most of all, safer. Working in a foreign country is another great reason to consider going abroad to get medical care. The downside is that you have to understand the language and culture of the people you will be dealing with. Make sure you research the country thoroughly before making any trips there. If you are still unsure, you can always rent a vacation villa and stay there for a few weeks to make sure you are settled in before making a move.
Ultimately, choosing a travel doctor is up to you and what you are capable of handling. If you feel you can handle it, then by all means take advantage of it. If not, then make sure you have two to three doctors’ quotes before you make your decision. Your primary doctor may be willing to recommend a travel doctor that they know is good for their hospital.
