The demand and costs for locum tenens providers is continually on the rise. With the increasing demand for healthcare and diminishing supply of providers across the healthcare community, the need for flexible staffing solutions has organizations across the US turning to Vendor Management Systems (VMS) and Managed Service Providers (MSP) to streamline their operations and ensure quality coverage. Once only for the travelling nurse community, a well-chosen VMS/MSP can efficiently manage locums staffing needs, reducing the stress and cost of using locums.
As the trend towards locums VMS/MSP grows, so does the importance of ensuring that your chosen partner has deep levels of experience and operates without bias towards staffing agencies. Because the demand and costs have gotten higher and higher post-pandemic, there are a lot of new entrants into the market and asking the right questions during your evaluation and selection process is critical to finding a system and an organization that aligns with your unique staffing needs.
Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating a VMS/MSP
1. How many healthcare clients do you currently have?
Importance: While the number of clients is significant, the type of healthcare clients they serve is even more critical. If a VMS/MSP primarily caters to hospitals, they may not have the expertise or resources to support a management company. Similarly, if they focus only on specific specialties, they may not be equipped to address the diverse needs of your organization.
2. How many employees work directly for your company?
Importance: A robust workforce within the VMS/MSP is essential for supporting your organization's size, scale, and growth. A sufficient number of knowledgeable employees ensures that you receive informed guidance and industry insights, ultimately leading to more effective vendor management.
3. How many available suppliers are on your roster? Do you tier suppliers?
Importance: A diverse supplier network allows you to choose from a wide array of agencies, particularly those specializing in your required specialties. Tiering can enhance this flexibility, enabling you to work with the best-suited vendors for your specific needs while ensuring coverage and quality of service.
4. Are you owned by a staffing company?
Importance: Vendor neutrality is crucial. If a VMS/MSP is owned by or influenced by a staffing agency, their priorities may skew towards benefiting the agency rather than securing the best outcomes for you. Ensuring independence allows you to get optimal coverage at competitive rates without conflicting interests.
5. When did you go live with your first healthcare client?
Importance: Experience matters in the ever-evolving healthcare market. Many newcomers may prioritize short-term gains, but a provider with a long-standing presence is likely to have established trust, knowledge, and a commitment to your best interests, leading to a more effective and sustainable program.
6. Was your VMS technology purchased or developed internally?
Importance: A VMS that has been developed internally often reflects a commitment to customization and understanding of user needs. If an organization relies on off-the-shelf solutions without tailoring them to client requirements, it may lack the flexibility necessary to adapt to your unique operational environment.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions when considering a Vendor Management System or Managed Service Provider is essential for making an informed decision. A thorough evaluation not only helps ensure that the chosen system aligns with your specific needs but also emphasizes the importance of vendor neutrality and a broad range of experience. In a field as critical as healthcare, having a reliable partner can make all the difference in delivering quality patient care and effectively managing locum tenens staffing.
Take the time to investigate and ensure you’re making a choice that positions your organization for success in the long term.