LocumTenens.com's online job index analyzing demand for locum tenens rose 27 points, or 18%, in the fourth quarter to a reading of 1.78. It had fallen 16 points in the third quarter.

The index includes data collected by LocumTenens.com since January 2007 and represents a broad quarterly analysis of demand for locum tenens jobs.

LocumTenens.com operates a locum tenens job board and is a physician recruitment firm as well.