Temporary & locum chiropractor coverage: how it works and what it costs.
When a doctor is out, you have three ways to keep the schedule open: call around, call an agency, or post the day on an on-demand platform. Here's how each one works, what it costs, and when it makes sense.
What temporary coverage is, and when clinics use it
A temporary or locum chiropractor is a licensed doctor who treats your patients in your clinic for set days, using your notes, forms and protocols. Your schedule stays open, your patients keep their care plans, and you don't take on a permanent hire.
- Sick daysThe 6 a.m. call that would otherwise mean a day of cancellations.
- Vacations and CEReal time off for you or your associates, without closing.
- LeaveParental or medical leave, covered week by week.
- Between hiresKeep a departing associate's schedule open while you hire well.
- A second locationCover the days you can't be in two places at once.
- Busy seasonsAn extra doctor on the days your schedule overflows.
Calling around vs an agency vs an on-demand platform
Agencies and networks differ, so treat the first two columns as what's typical and ask your options the same questions.
How you find someone
- Calling around
- You call and text colleagues, classmates and old associates until someone says yes.
- Staffing agency
- You call a recruiter, who searches their roster and comes back with a candidate.
- On-demand platform
- You post the day yourself. Available, qualified providers nearby are notified and apply.
Who checks the license and insurance
- Calling around
- You do, if you get to it.
- Staffing agency
- The agency, to its own standard. Ask what they check and how often.
- On-demand platform
- CoverageOnCall verifies every provider's state license and malpractice insurance before they can apply, and rechecks licenses against state records.
Lead time
- Calling around
- Depends on who picks up the phone.
- Staffing agency
- Often days to weeks; same-day requests depend on who's on the roster.
- On-demand platform
- Post in a couple of minutes, any time. Short-notice days are sent out in waves until someone accepts.
How the price is set
- Calling around
- Whatever you agree on, plus your time arranging it.
- Staffing agency
- A day or hourly rate quoted per booking, which includes the agency's margin.
- On-demand platform
- A published day rate by region and how busy the day is, shown before you post.
Contracts and minimums
- Calling around
- None, but nothing in writing either.
- Staffing agency
- Many use a services agreement; some have minimum bookings or notice periods.
- On-demand platform
- No contract term, no monthly fee, no minimum. Enrolling is free.
If the covering doctor cancels
- Calling around
- You start calling again.
- Staffing agency
- The agency looks for a replacement, if one is available.
- On-demand platform
- Emergency cover: within 24 hours of the start, every qualified provider nearby is contacted at once, with a bonus from our side.
Hiring them permanently
- Calling around
- Between you and them.
- Staffing agency
- Usually a placement or conversion fee set in the agency's agreement.
- On-demand platform
- Allowed, through a simple placement agreement.
Calling around works when…
You have a trusted colleague who's free, the need is planned, and you're comfortable checking their license and insurance yourself.
An agency works when…
You want someone else to recruit for a long assignment and the margin and agreement terms fit your budget.
A platform works when…
You want to choose from verified applicants yourself, see the price up front, and post anything from a same-day sick call to every Tuesday.
What a covered day costs with CoverageOnCall
Our live rates, straight from the price list clinics see when they post. No subscription and no fee to enroll.
What moves the price
- Your region: major cities and smaller towns have their own rates.
- How busy the day is: Light or Busy, by the visits you expect.
- Visits past your tier: 5 extra visits are free, then $10 per visit.
- Short notice: +15% when posted under 48 hours ahead, +25% under 24 hours.
- Weekends +10%, federal holidays +25%.
Premiums raise the provider's pay by the same percent, which is what gets short-notice days filled.
How you pay
- Nothing is charged to post or enroll.
- A 25% deposit when a provider is confirmed.
- The balance after the shift.
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start.
- We pay the provider. You get one clear receipt.
Comparing quotes? Ask every option the same five questions.
- 1.What's the all-in day rate, including any fees or margin?
- 2.Who verifies the license and malpractice insurance, and when?
- 3.What happens, and what do I pay, if the doctor cancels?
- 4.Is there a contract term, minimum or notice period?
- 5.What does it cost to hire the doctor permanently?
Want the cost of not covering a day? Try the cost of closing calculator.
From a gap in the schedule to a doctor in the room
- 1Post the dayDate, hours and how busy it is. The price is shown before you post.
- 2Verified doctors applyOnly licensed, insured providers who are free and in range.
- 3You chooseOr let the best match be confirmed automatically at your deadline.
- 4They arrive, you sign offLive arrival time on the day, then a one-tap timesheet.
More detail on how it works.
Locum coverage, answered
Something else? Ask us, a person answers.
What is a locum chiropractor?+
A locum (short for locum tenens, "holding the place") is a licensed chiropractor who covers another doctor's schedule for a set time: a sick day, a vacation, a CE weekend, maternity leave or the weeks between hires. They treat your patients in your clinic, following your notes and protocols.
Is a temporary chiropractor the same as a locum?+
In practice, yes. Clinics also say fill-in, covering, per diem or relief chiropractor. They all mean a licensed doctor booked for specific days rather than hired as a permanent associate.
How much does a temporary chiropractor cost?+
With CoverageOnCall, full days start from $450 (Light day) where we're open. Rates vary by region and how busy the day is, with premiums for short notice, weekends and holidays, and the price is shown before you post. Agency rates vary by agency and market, so ask for an all-in day rate in writing.
Does the covering chiropractor need a license in my state?+
Yes. A covering doctor must hold an active license in the state where they treat. On our platform, only providers licensed in your state can see and apply to your shifts.
Who pays the covering doctor?+
You pay CoverageOnCall: a 25% deposit when a provider is confirmed and the balance after the shift. We pay the provider, so there's no separate invoice or payroll setup on your side.
How far ahead do I need to book?+
You can book months ahead or the same day. Booking ahead gives you more applicants to choose from and avoids short-notice premiums, but the day you need someone urgently, you can still post.
What about billing for visits seen by a covering doctor?+
Payer rules for covering providers differ, and some have their own forms or time limits. Check with your billing team or compliance advisor how they want covered visits documented before the first covered day.
Set up coverage before you need it.
Enrolling is free. The day you need someone, it's a two-minute post.