A survey of 730 hospitals and medical groups by Staff Care, a division of AMN Healthcare Inc. (NYSE: AHS), found 77% had used locum tenens physicians, or temporary doctors, in the last 12 months. In addition, 54% said they were currently using locum tenens doctors.

The survey also found that 76% rated the skill level of locum tenens doctors as "good" or "excellent." Twenty-two percent rated their skill levels as "adequate," and only 2% described the skill levels as "unsatisfactory."

"Locum tenens doctors are the Lone Rangers of medicine," said Staff Care President Joseph Caldwell. "They ride into town, take care of people in need, then they ride off to their next assignment."