1. Doctors Are Working Fewer Hours, But Work Still Follows Them Home

Physicians may be spending fewer hours in clinical settings, but administrative demands, especially electronic health records, still dominate their off-hours. AMA survey data from over 100 health systems show that despite a dip in average workweek hours from 59 in 2023 to 58 in 2024, nearly a quarter of physicians spend eight or more hours a week managing EHR tasks after hours. This contributes to ongoing burnout, which still affects 43% of doctors despite a slight improvement in overall rates.

The burden varies by specialty. Hospitalists and OB/GYNs report the longest workweeks, while pediatricians and emergency physicians report slightly shorter ones. Still, physicians across the board spend more time on indirect care and administrative tasks than on patient-facing care. Doctors with more than 10 years of experience are logging especially long hours. Many say the imbalance between clinical and clerical work erodes their ability to rest, recharge, or fully unplug during time off.

In response, leading health systems are piloting solutions: AI-powered documentation tools, embedded pharmacists, inbox triage teams, and workflow redesigns that target redundant or unnecessary tasks. From ambient AI scribes to smarter scheduling and pre-visit planning, the goal is to reclaim physician time for patient care. For locum tenens doctors balancing multiple environments, these tools and policies could help reduce burnout and improve both efficiency and job satisfaction.

(American Medical Association, August 19)

2. Four Retirement Pitfalls Doctors Can Avoid

Many physicians delay retirement not because they have to, but because medicine feels like a calling. Still, it’s critical to plan for what comes next. One common misstep is assuming retirement means doing nothing. Instead, many doctors thrive in retirement, leaving clinical work to pursue new goals such as writing, volunteering, traveling, or locum tenens. But shifting identity can be tough when your career is deeply tied to your sense of purpose. Experts recommend preparing early by exploring future interests and giving yourself time to adjust gradually.

Another major mistake is underestimating the cost of retirement. While physicians expect to need around $4 million, most haven’t saved even half that by age 40. That gap, plus family financial responsibilities, calls for early planning and expert guidance. Working with a certified financial planner can help alleviate long-term stress, especially if you begin early. Planning should also include emotional readiness. Physicians often form deep bonds with their patients, and ending those relationships can be unexpectedly difficult. Preparing patients (and yourself) for the transition is part of retiring responsibly.

Finally, many physicians overlook the identity shift retirement brings. Letting go of a tightly structured day and a familiar role can feel disorienting. Experts suggest “practicing” retirement in advance, such as taking a month off or gradually scaling back hours. Honest conversations with loved ones can also be beneficial, especially if your identity has influenced family roles. 

(Medscape, August 7)

3. How Locum Tenens Physicians Can Maximize QBI Savings in 2026

Starting in 2026, the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for self-employed professionals, including 1099 locum tenens physicians, will increase from 20% to 23%. This boost provides independent doctors with a new opportunity to reduce their taxable income. But because physicians are classified as a Specified Service Trade or Business, the deduction begins to phase out at $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers. Unlike current rules, the updated law allows partial deductions even for high earners, making it a more flexible tool than before.

To make the most of the QBI deduction, structure matters. Physicians operating as LLCs taxed as S-Corps can pay themselves a reasonable salary and take additional earnings as distributions, minimizing employment taxes. Investing in business assets, like equipment or property, and paying strategic W-2 wages can also help increase the deduction. Retirement plans, such as Solo 401(k)s or cash balance pension plans, provide additional ways to lower taxable income while building long-term wealth.

Now is the time to review your business setup, income mix, and retirement contributions. If you’re earning both W-2 and 1099 income or nearing the QBI phase-out range, adjusting your structure in 2025 could lead to significant savings next year. A CPA who understands physician-specific tax rules can help you navigate SSTB limitations, aggregate business entities, and plan estimated taxes with confidence. 

(The Doctor’s CPA, July 31)

4. How AI Is Reshaping Medical Credentialing

Hospitals and healthcare systems are beginning to adopt AI-powered “algorithmic credentialing” to expedite the licensing, verification, and onboarding of medical professionals. Unlike traditional systems, which can take up to 90 days, AI-based platforms can reduce credentialing time to just two weeks by automating data collection and verification in real-time. For locum tenens physicians who frequently switch between assignments, faster onboarding can result in fewer delays and quicker placement in critical roles.

These systems use machine learning to assess credentials, training, and experience against established benchmarks. Benefits include quicker onboarding, fewer manual errors, and even the ability to recognize and evaluate international credentials. However, challenges remain. AI systems can misclassify qualified professionals if the input data is inaccurate. There’s also concern over transparency, as many AI tools operate like a “black box,” offering little explanation for decisions that could affect a physician’s ability to work.

The future is likely to hold hybrid models that blend human oversight with AI efficiency. Global, interoperable credentialing systems could one day make cross-border work easier for physicians. However, until clear regulations and robust oversight mechanisms are in place, locum providers must remain informed and advocate for the fair and transparent use of these tools. For now, AI is not replacing credentialing teams, but it is rapidly changing how they work.

(HIT Consultant, July 25)

5. Ambient AI Scribes Show Promise in Reducing Physician Burnout

A new study from Mass General Brigham and Emory Healthcare links the use of ambient AI scribes to significant reductions in physician burnout and improved well-being. These tools use generative AI to listen to patient encounters and generate clinical notes for review, streamlining documentation. Among users who adopted the technology for at least 42 days, MGB saw burnout rates drop from 51% to 31% within three months. At Emory, the number of clinicians reporting improved well-being jumped from 2% to 32% in just 60 days.

Clinicians’ free-text feedback was largely positive. Physicians reported more meaningful patient interactions, reduced cognitive load, and greater job satisfaction in practice. Some called it a fundamental shift in the physician experience. However, not all use cases benefited equally. A few respondents noted that the tool was less effective for pediatric visits or required additional time for documentation in certain cases.

While the results are promising, the study authors caution that further research is needed to ensure the benefits are broad and applicable across specialties. The findings arrive as ambient AI tools gain traction industry-wide, with major EHR vendors and startups investing heavily in clinical AI. For locum tenens physicians navigating high workloads and frequent documentation demands, ambient AI scribes may soon offer a meaningful boost to both efficiency and job satisfaction.

(Tech Target, August 21)

6. More Reasons Why Every Locum Should Be Using an HSA

A Health Savings Account can do more than cover medical bills. If you have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you can contribute up to $8,550 as a family in 2025, reducing your taxable income and possibly saving thousands. Payroll contributions also avoid payroll taxes, giving employed physicians an extra edge. Adults over 55 and family members on your plan may be eligible for additional contributions, resulting in long-term financial benefits that extend beyond your own savings.

Unlike FSAs, HSA funds roll over and can be invested in mutual funds, real estate, or other assets, depending on your provider. The growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses remain tax-free, even if made years later using saved receipts. Eligible expenses range from Medicare premiums and fertility treatments to acupuncture and adaptive home improvements. You can also transfer your HSA to another provider tax-free as often as you like.

After age 65, HSA funds can be used for any purpose without penalty since only standard income tax applies. In several states, HSAs are protected from creditors, and they can be used for charitable giving without a tax hit. For locum physicians looking to reduce taxes, grow investments, and add retirement flexibility, an HSA is a valuable savings tool that’s worth funding every year

(White Coat Investor, August 6)

7. A Burnout Survival Plan: 10 Strategies Every Physician Should Know

Physician burnout still affects 43% of doctors, which is down from its pandemic peak but is still alarmingly high. Symptoms like exhaustion, cynicism, and emotional detachment are increasingly treated like a clinical condition, requiring early diagnosis and evidence-based intervention. Strategies include setting firm boundaries, taking uninterrupted vacations, and using mindfulness or therapy without stigma. Acknowledging burnout is the first step, but taking action is essential to prevent it from compromising care.

Smart delegation and thoughtful tech adoption also play key roles. Team-based care allows clinicians to offload routine tasks, freeing them for more meaningful work. Meanwhile, apps for voice dictation, charting, and communication can cut down administrative overload. Prioritizing physical health, exercising regularly, and practicing basic self-care are becoming standard practices, rather than luxuries. Hospitals are also starting to support physician wellness as a vital element of patient safety.

Finally, connection is a powerful antidote. Doctors who invest in personal relationships, hobbies, and a sense of purpose report lower burnout rates. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, painting, or remembering a meaningful patient story, reconnecting with your “why” can restore resilience. For locum tenens physicians, these practices provide a practical and proven path to well-being.

(Conexiant, July 24)

8. More Rural ERs Operate Without On-Site Physicians. Is That a Risk?

In rural hospitals like Dahl Memorial in Ekalaka, Montana, emergency departments are increasingly staffed without on-site physicians. Instead, physician assistants and nurse practitioners provide care, supported by remote consultations and structured oversight. A national survey found that almost 8% of ERs in 2022 lacked 24/7 physician coverage, with most located in small or critical access hospitals. In Montana, nearly half of ERs operate under this model, reflecting a broader shift driven by physician shortages and geographic barriers.

The trend is controversial. Some medical groups argue that a physician’s presence is essential for high-quality emergency care, while others believe well-trained PAs and NPs can safely lead ERs with the right support. Several states have enacted laws requiring physician coverage where feasible. Meanwhile, others are exploring safeguards like mandatory emergency experience and virtual supervision for non-physician providers.

Locally, both clinicians and patients report satisfaction. At Dahl Memorial, staff members undergo simulation training, consult with remote physicians, and explore virtual reality tools to enhance oversight. While ideal staffing models vary by location, this shift highlights the growing importance of telemedicine, team-based care, and flexible staffing solutions, which are all key considerations for locum tenens physicians in rural settings.

(KFF Health News, August 12)

9. Physician Shortage Deepens as Medicare Undercuts Independent Practice

The US faces a growing physician shortage, projected to reach 86,000 doctors by 2036, which is driven in part by stagnant Medicare reimbursements. Unlike hospitals and other facilities, physicians don’t receive inflation-adjusted payments. Since 2001, hospital reimbursements have increased by 70%, while physician pay has decreased by one-third, adjusted for inflation. As financial pressure mounts, independent physicians are selling their practices to hospitals or retiring early, particularly in rural areas where access to care is already limited.

This consolidation comes at a cost. Studies show that after hospitals acquire independent practices, costs to Medicare rise by up to $1,300 per patient annually, and sometimes double for routine procedures such as colonoscopies. As a result, taxpayers pay more while patients face longer wait times and reduced choice. Meanwhile, fewer students are applying to medical school, deterred by debt and limited autonomy in the current system.

Policymakers have options. Indexing Medicare payments to inflation would level the playing field. Paying the same amount for a service regardless of where it’s delivered could save $100 billion over the next decade. Some advocate for a direct-payment model, giving patients more control through health savings accounts. Without reform, more physicians will leave practice, and access to affordable, local care will continue to erode.

(U.S. News and World Report, July 24)