Healthcare facilities routinely face fluctuations in patient volume. Some of these are predictable, such as seasonal increases in flu cases or scheduled procedural demand. Others, including unexpected provider turnover or a sudden rise in surgical referrals, can catch clinical teams off guard. If unaddressed, these shifts can strain healthcare staff, increase the risk of burnout, and compromise the quality of care. The broader impact may include reduced patient access and potential revenue loss.

To navigate fluctuations in patient volumes effectively, health system leaders need adaptable workforce strategies that prioritize both continuity of care and staff well-being. A growing number of organizations are turning to interim healthcare staffing as part of a broader clinical workforce stabilization plan. One proven approach involves partnering with a locum tenens staffing agency that can respond quickly, efficiently, and with clinical alignment.

Bridging Clinical Staffing Gaps with the Medicus Transition Program

To help healthcare organizations manage rising patient volumes and broader clinical workforce instability, Medicus Healthcare Solutions created the Medicus Transition Program, a project-based interim healthcare staffing solution. Designed to address multiple FTE gaps, the Medicus Transition Program helps stabilize health systems during periods of clinical staffing disruption by delivering consistent, high-quality clinical coverage when and where it is needed most.

Through close collaboration with health system leaders, Medicus delivers consistent, high-quality clinical coverage while aligning with operational, cultural, and organizational goals. Whether supporting a facility through growth, a shift from outsourced to employed staffing models, or long-term recruiting cycles, the program provides a scalable, structured approach to workforce stabilization.

The Medicus Transition Program - 95% Scheduling NeedsThe Medicus Transition Program - 60 days for recruiting and credentialing

Here’s how the Medicus Transition Program ensured access to care for a healthcare organization facing an increase in patient volumes:

Reducing a 40,000-Case Backlog to Restore Radiology Access

Amid a statewide radiologist shortage, one of Michigan's largest non-profit health systems faced a growing backlog of more than 40,000 cases. Dependent on a third-party group for all reads, the health system experienced prolonged turnaround times, with patient wait times exceeding 45 days in some locations. Seeking to restore stability and prevent further disruptions to diagnostic services, leadership engaged the Medicus Transition Program to supplement their outsourced group.

Within days, Medicus implemented a strategic response, providing a dedicated team of locum tenens radiologists to augment the existing group. Medicus collaborated closely with hospital leadership to streamline onboarding, enhance system access, and equip providers to operate efficiently without delay. The Medicus Transition Program was able to help the health system stabilize coverage, improve turnaround times, and rebuild community trust.

Key Results:

  • High-Quality Providers & Streamlined Credentialing: Medicus credentialed 41 radiologists in as little as one week to support immediate needs.
  • Equipment & IT Coordination: Medicus helped facilitate equipment purchases and coordinated IT system access to ensure provider efficiency.
  • Significant Backlog Reduction: The Medicus locum tenens radiologists helped reduce the backlog to 3,500 within 5 weeks, significantly improving patient access.

"The Medicus Transition Program was more efficient and effective than utilizing multiple locum agencies due to their expertise and resources. Medicus enabled us to have fewer meetings and expend fewer resources navigating this complex work. I highly recommend Medicus to other healthcare organizations because they were extremely accountable, instilled confidence in us, and became an extension of our team. As a result, Medicus created an easy and comfortable process in the face of a complex and anxiety-inducing staffing situation." – Health System Leadership

Preparing for Future Demand by Establishing Proactive Staffing Plans

Every healthcare organization experiences moments of staffing disruption, whether caused by volume surges, provider turnover, or evolving service models. Even when staffing appears stable, having a proactive contingency plan in place can help preserve care continuity, support staff well-being, and improve the organization's ability to respond to change without compromising operations.

Building that plan often starts with the right partner. Medicus delivers credentialed, high-performing locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners who are selected for both clinical excellence and cultural alignment. With the ability to onboard providers in as little as 60 days, Medicus enables organizations to maintain uninterrupted care delivery during transitions, growth, or unexpected demand.

Interested in partnering with Medicus for interim healthcare staffing? Complete the short form below.

 

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