--- title: Navigating Rate Economics in a Post-COVID Environment description: Determining market equilibrium pricing can be complex, but it doesn't have to be. HWL is uniquely positioned to act as an honest broker for our clients. Learn more. image: https://blog.hwlworks.com/hubfs/Rate%20Economics%20-%20Blog.png --- [VMS Login](https://vms.hwlmsp.com/) [![HWL_2C_300DPI-Aug-29-2023-12-27-59-4566-PM](https://blog.hwlworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HWL_2C_300DPI-Aug-29-2023-12-27-59-4566-PM.jpg?width=201&height=75&name=HWL_2C_300DPI-Aug-29-2023-12-27-59-4566-PM.jpg "HWL_2C_300DPI-Aug-29-2023-12-27-59-4566-PM")](https://www.hwlmsp.com/) [Industry News](https://blog.hwlworks.com/navigating-rate-economics-post-covid#) ### x**HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY NEWS** Get industry news, client announcements, product release info, and HWL Insights directly in your inbox! # Navigating Rate Economics in a Post-COVID Environment [locums tenens](https://blog.hwlworks.com/tag/locums-tenens), [COVID-19](https://blog.hwlworks.com/tag/covid-19) ![Rate Economics](https://blog.hwlworks.com/hubfs/Rate%20Economics%20-%20Blog.png) Determining market equilibrium pricing can be complex, but it doesn't have to be. Healthcare Workforce Logistics (HWL) is uniquely positioned to act as an honest broker for our clients. Unlike an agency-managed MSP program, we offer the ability to have one set rate with all vendors, tiered rate structures, or individual rates with each agency. We also monitor and assess agencies’ performance on an on-going basis and continuously monitor market pricing to achieve cost reductions on locums, nursing, and allied health professionals.    ## **How Decreased Demand Impacts Market Pricing** ![Navigating Market Econ Post COVID - Blog](https://blog.hwlworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Navigating%20Market%20Econ%20Post%20COVID%20-%20Blog.png?width=252&name=Navigating%20Market%20Econ%20Post%20COVID%20-%20Blog.png) The pandemic has dramatically altered the relationship between price and demand. Evidence of a percentage shift in the demand market can be gleaned from Cross Country Healthcare’s (CCH) recently released [Q2 financials](https://ir.crosscountryhealthcare.com/news-releases/news-release-details/cross-country-healthcare-announces-second-quarter-2020-financial). Most notably, CCH reported a substantial decline in the number of field employees on assignment, shorter assignment lengths, and significant disruptions to the market or “unprecedented rapid swings of demand both up and down.”   As a result, it is anticipated that vendors will respond by lowering prices—presenting the perfect opportunity for care delivery organizations to complete a market rate analysis and negotiate lower labor rates. But the reality is that most health systems do not have the resources to conduct a market rate analysis or know the advanced methodology behind one. This is where HWL excels, perfecting the market rate analysis process and offering the analysis at no additional cost when enrolled in a managed service.    [*Learn how HWL can get you the best rates and lower labor costs.*](https://www.hwlmsp.com/services/)   ## **Data-Driven Approach to Labor Management** A [market rate analysis](https://www.hwlmsp.com/market-rate-analysis-page/) relies on data from several sources to provide rates by specialty. In addition, the rates include a combination of local, regional, and national variances. If you are negotiating rates with agencies individually and without the benefit of a competitive process, then you’re likely overpaying. To truly take control of agency spend, hospitals must benchmark labor costs and perform a market rate analysis; and given current market conditions, time is of the essence.  The combination of HWL’s [vendor-neutral philosophy](https://www.hwlmsp.com/wp-content/uploads/resources/hwl-vendor-neutral-philosophy.pdf), access to real-time market intelligence regarding demand activity for healthcare professionals, and deep-rooted industry expertise, positions HWL as the ideal partner to perform a market rate analysis. As such, we can make recommendations for period adjustments to rates up or down, based on unbiased [clean data and analytics](https://blog.hwlmsp.com/importance-of-clean-data-to-contain-agency-spend).   *Read, ‘*[*Are You Paying Too Much for Contingent Nursing & Allied Health Professionals?*](https://blog.hwlmsp.com/paying-too-much-for-contingent-nursing-allied-health-professionals)*’*   ## **How HWL Saves You Time & Money** - Perform comprehensive market rate analysis - In-depth analyzation of current bill rates  - Rate recommendations and finalize rate card - Audit agency submissions  - Review current vendors to establish final vendor panel - Finalize scope of work - Distribute new standardized contract to the vendor panel - Train recruiter personnel on [Vendor Management System](https://www.hwlmsp.com/our-technology/vendor-management-system/) - Announce GO Live Date to vendors   ## **Contact HWL to Request a Market Rate Analysis** Whether it’s Local or Travel, Contract or Per Diem, Clinical or Non-Clinical, HWL VMS delivers heightened visibility, efficiency, and compliance while improving overall quality of staff. Learn how HWL can save your health system time and money with a comprehensive and customized market rate analysis. [Contact us today.](https://www.hwlmsp.com/contact/)   #### **Additional Resources** - [Post-COVID-19 Assessment](https://blog.hwlmsp.com/post-covid-19-assessment-path-forward) - [COVID-19 Program Request Form](https://info.hwlmsp.com/cv19) September 11, 2020/By [Trevor Strauss, FACHE](https://blog.hwlworks.com/author/trevor-strauss) TAGS: [locums tenens](https://blog.hwlworks.com/tag/locums-tenens), [COVID-19](https://blog.hwlworks.com/tag/covid-19) ##### Share this entry - Share on Facebook - Share on Twitter - Share on Pinterest - Share on Linkedin - Share on Tumblr ### Author: [Trevor Strauss, FACHE](https://blog.hwlworks.com/author/trevor-strauss) Trevor Strauss serves as a Senior Vice President for HWL and has been designing new solutions and driving go to market strategy within healthcare workforce and human capital delivery for organizations since 2008. His expertise comes from having lead deal teams from inception through implementation across the entire labor continuum from search to enterprise-wide workforce and technology solutions. His passion is helping organizations reposition themselves to create the future they desire to meet their operational and financial goals, while ensuring patient care delivery. He received his BS from Lock Haven University, MBA from East Carolina University, and is Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is based out of Atlanta, GA and can be reached at tstrauss@hwlworks.com or 770-298-0122. Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tastrauss/) ##### You might also like [Navigating the Rapid Evolution of Locum Tenens Staffing: Insights and Strategies for Success](https://blog.hwlworks.com/navigating-the-rapid-evolution-of-locum-tenens-staffing-insights-and-strategies-for-success) [Banner Health Case Study: Empowering Locums and Fostering Innovation with a Flexible Platform](https://blog.hwlworks.com/banner-health-case-study-empowering-locums-and-fostering-innovation-with-a-flexible-platform) [3 New(ish) Key Truths in Locums Delivery](https://blog.hwlworks.com/3-newish-key-truths-in-locums-delivery) [A Guide to Locum Tenens and How to Manage Them](https://blog.hwlworks.com/guide-to-locum-tenens) [How HWL Assisted Quick and Efficient COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout](https://blog.hwlworks.com/vaccine-rollout) [How Supplemental Health Care Became the Playbook for COVID-19 Staffing](https://blog.hwlworks.com/how-supplemental-health-care-became-the-playbook-for-covid-19-staffing) [Achieve Vaccine Rates in Outlying Communities Faster](https://blog.hwlworks.com/achieve-vaccine-rates-in-outlying-communities-faster) [Locum tenens: are you paying too much?](https://blog.hwlworks.com/locum-tenens-are-you-paying-too-much) Please feel free to keep the discussion going in the comments section below. ### Latest News - [What If We've Been Measuring the Wrong Workforce Metrics](https://blog.hwlworks.com/what-if-weve-been-measuring-the-wrong-workforce-metrics) July 09, 2026 - [Built by Educators. 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