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Locuming Made Simple. by Dr Manjit Purewal Updated by Dr Lynsey Fielden, 2007. WHY LOCUMING?. Aims. Gain insight into preparation needed to become a successful locum Gain insight on financial issues and record-keeping How to enjoy locum work. Objectives.
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Locuming Made Simple by Dr Manjit Purewal Updated by Dr Lynsey Fielden, 2007
Aims • Gain insight into preparation needed to become a successful locum • Gain insight on financial issues and record-keeping • How to enjoy locum work
Objectives • Decide whether locuming is really for you • Be aware of steps required to set up as a locum • Know what administration work is involved and how to keep on top of it
Objectives (2) • Have an idea how to recruit an accountant, keep records for the tax man • Be aware of other financial issues e.g. income protection • Be aware of pitfalls common to locums
SUMMARY OF LOCUMING PREPARATION/CV MAKING CONTACT BOOKING ON THE DAY (doing the job) INVOICING OTHER THINGS Equipment Accountant Tax & finances Leave
Preparation • Start early • Define where/what/when? • Performers’ list • Supplementary lists ?still exist • Documents & Paperwork
Preparation (2) • WYCSA/PCT locum list • CV and contacting surgeries • Inland revenue • Equipment • National Association of Non-Principals (NANP) & other locums
C.V. • Keep it short • Precise information • What lists are you included in - minor surgery, child health, obstetric list • Referees • CLEAR CONTACT DETAILS
Booking Work • When/how long for? • Computer system • How many patients/visits? • Admin. work/other clinics • On-call • Details of surgeries, e.g. start times, breaks • Fees • Get confirmation in writing
On the day • Locum pack? • Basic essentials, e.g. computer • Locating equipment/forms • FP10’s/MED3’s/etc. • How does the system/service run • Delegation • On-call sessions • Say ‘no’ if appropriate
Record Keeping • Discuss with your accountant • Keep all receipts • Set time aside for this each week/month - makes sending out invoices a lot easier • KEEP ON TOP OF IT
Invoices • Keep them simple & headed • Use computer • Be precise about what you have done • Make sure the figures are clear • Remember if it looks messy or complicated then your payment may be delayed
Fees • You must have a base to start from • Speak to other locums • Ask the practice manager what they normally pay • Vary rates e.g. for surgery only, on-calls, etc. OR hourly/sessional rate • Learn the art of negotiation
RECOMMENDED LOCUM RATES • The Office of Fair Trading ruled BMA-suggested locum rates anti-competitive in 1999. • Locums and Practices must negotiate rates. (Medeconomics August 2004)
Tax • Find an accountant and discuss • Set up a (high interest) savings account • Save about 1/3 of your monthly earnings • Don’t touch it until after you receive your tax bill! • Make payments twice a year (Jan & July)
USEFUL WEB ADDRESSES • Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales: www.icaew.co.uk • NHS Pensions: www.nhspa.gov.uk • National Association of Non Principals: www.Nanp.org.uk
Tax (2) • Don’t be fooled by low tax returns in first year • PAY TAX ON TIME (31st Jan deadline) - otherwise you will be fined and charged interest!
Other Finances • National Insurance – class II & III • ‘NHS Superannuation scheme’ - filling in of Locum form A & B and submitting with pension contribution • Income protection
Extras • Equipment needed • Expenses • Long-term locums • Locum agencies • Cancellation policy • Details of other locums • Continuing Personal Development • Appraisal
POTENTIAL PITFALLS • Being poorly organised • Abuse by practices • Income - unpaid leave - hidden costs • CPD • Isolation • NOT BEING ABLE TO SAY NO
ENJOYING IT! • Good preparation • Own boss • Flexible – leave, working patterns • Income • Gain insight into workings of different practices • Good way of finding the right practice for you in the future - networking
Locuming Made Simple • Preparation is key • Finances & record-keeping • ENJOYABLE!