How to Evaluate Locum Agencies
Not all locum agencies are equal. Here's what matters most for CRNAs seeking locum work.
Key Evaluation Criteria
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | Direct impact on income |
| **Assignment volume** | More options available |
| **Specialization** | Anesthesia-focused = better understanding |
| **Recruiter quality** | Makes or breaks experience |
| **Support services** | Housing, travel, credentialing |
| **Malpractice coverage** | Critical protection |
| **Payment reliability** | Getting paid on time |
Top Locum Agencies for CRNAs
Tier 1: Anesthesia Specialists
These agencies focus primarily on anesthesia providers:
#### Staff Care (AMN Healthcare)
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★★★ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★★★ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★★ |
Pros: Largest anesthesia-focused agency, extensive hospital relationships, excellent support Cons: Higher markup means potentially lower provider rates Best for: CRNAs wanting broad options and full support
#### Envision Physician Services
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★★★ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★★★ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★☆ |
Pros: Strong hospital contracts, many exclusive assignments Cons: Can be inflexible on rates Best for: CRNAs seeking stable, longer-term assignments
#### NorthStar Anesthesia
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★★★ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★★ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★☆ |
Pros: Anesthesia-only focus, strong CRNA relationships Cons: Smaller than larger generalists Best for: CRNAs valuing anesthesia expertise
Tier 2: Major Generalists with Strong Anesthesia
These large agencies have dedicated anesthesia divisions:
#### CompHealth (CHG Healthcare)
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★☆☆ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★★★ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★★ |
Pros: Excellent benefits options, W-2 available, strong support Cons: Lower rates due to higher overhead Best for: CRNAs wanting structure and benefits
#### Weatherby Healthcare (CHG)
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★★★ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★☆ |
Pros: High volume, national coverage, good rates Cons: Recruiter turnover can be high Best for: Experienced CRNAs with clear preferences
#### Hayes Locums
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★★★ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★★ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★☆ |
Pros: Competitive rates, responsive recruiters Cons: Smaller volume than top agencies Best for: CRNAs prioritizing rate over convenience
Tier 3: Boutique and Regional
Smaller agencies often offer personalized service:
#### Favorite Healthcare Staffing
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| **Rate competitiveness** | ★★★★☆ |
| **Assignment volume** | ★★★☆☆ |
| **Anesthesia focus** | ★★★☆☆ |
| **Recruiter quality** | ★★★★★ |
| **Support services** | ★★★★☆ |
Pros: Personalized attention, flexible arrangements Cons: Limited assignment volume Best for: CRNAs wanting relationship-based service
Agency Comparison Summary
| Agency | Rate | Volume | Service | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Care | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Full support |
| Hayes Locums | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | Best rates |
| CompHealth | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Benefits |
| NorthStar | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Anesthesia focus |
| Weatherby | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | Volume |
Getting the Best Rates
Agency Strategy
- Work with multiple agencies — Compare offers on same assignment
- Never sign exclusivity — Limits your options
- Ask for bill rate — Understand the markup
- Negotiate everything — Rates, housing, travel
- Build relationships — Best recruiters advocate for you
Rate Negotiation Tips
| Tactic | Typical Impact |
|---|---|
| Mention competing offer | +$5-15/hr |
| Fill urgent need | +$10-25/hr |
| Offer flexibility | +$5-10/hr |
| Take premium shifts | +$20-50/hr |
| Multi-assignment commitment | Consistency, not always higher rate |
What to Negotiate Beyond Rate
| Item | Standard | Negotiate For |
|---|---|---|
| **Housing stipend** | Market rate | Above market if housing is expensive |
| **Travel** | Economy + mileage | Direct routes, timing preferences |
| **Rental car** | Compact | Category for comfort |
| **Per diem** | $50/day | $75-100/day possible |
Red Flags in Agencies
Warning Signs
⚠️ Pressure to accept quickly — Good assignments don't require high pressure ⚠️ Vague malpractice terms — Must be claims-made AND occurrence or tail ⚠️ Won't disclose bill rate — What are they hiding? ⚠️ Poor communication — Reflects how problems will be handled ⚠️ Contract surprises — Read everything carefully ⚠️ Delayed payments — Check reviews for payment issues
Questions to Ask Agencies
- "What's your bill rate for this assignment?"
- "What malpractice coverage do you provide?"
- "Who is my point of contact during the assignment?"
- "How are problems/complaints handled?"
- "What's your cancellation policy?"
Building Agency Relationships
Best Practices
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Be responsive | First calls on good assignments |
| Complete profiles | Faster submissions |
| Provide feedback | Improves future matches |
| Honor commitments | Reputation builds |
| Refer colleagues | Reciprocal treatment |
Managing Multiple Agencies
| Approach | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| **3-4 agencies** | Good variety, manageable | Some overlap |
| **5+ agencies** | Maximum options | Difficult to manage |
| **1-2 agencies** | Deep relationships | Limited options |
Recommended: 3-4 agencies with 1-2 primary relationships
Contract Essentials
Must-Haves
- [ ] Clear rate and payment terms
- [ ] Malpractice coverage details
- [ ] Cancellation terms (both parties)
- [ ] Housing/travel specifics
- [ ] Assignment dates and hours
- [ ] Extension terms
- [ ] Early termination provisions
Review Before Signing
| Item | What to Check |
|---|---|
| **Payment timing** | Net 15? Net 30? |
| **Malpractice** | Covered? Limits? |
| **Cancellation** | Notice period? Penalties? |
| **Non-compete** | Should be NONE |
| **Assignment specifics** | Match what was promised? |
Conclusion
The best locum agency for you depends on your priorities. For maximum rates, Hayes Locums and boutique agencies often compete well. For volume and support, Staff Care and CompHealth excel. Work with 3-4 agencies, never sign exclusivity, and negotiate every assignment. Building strong recruiter relationships is the key to accessing the best opportunities.
Agency information based on CRNA feedback and Anesearch research, January 2025.