LOCVM · Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about posting, booking, verification, and payments on LOCVM.
FAQ: General
LOCVM (pronounced locum) is a centralized platform that connects healthcare organizations and physicians with qualified locum physicians for short-term coverage needs across Canada.
Designed for hospitals, clinics, medical groups, and individual physicians, LOCVM streamlines the entire locum process, from posting opportunities to communication, matching, scheduling, and payments.
Our goal is to make locum coverage simple, transparent, and trustworthy. With LOCVM, you can:
- Post or browse locum opportunities based on specialty, availability, and location
- Match with qualified physicians based on your staffing needs and preferences
- Connect directly through secure, built-in messaging
- Trust your matches, knowing all physicians undergo medical license verification
- Use an optional deposit system to provide peace of mind for both parties
- Handle payments directly through the platform, making it easy to pay your locum, or get paid
LOCVM is currently in beta and expanding across Canada to support hospitals, clinics, and physicians with flexible, reliable locum staffing solutions nationwide.
Designed for hospitals, clinics, medical groups, and individual physicians, LOCVM streamlines the entire locum process, from posting opportunities to communication, matching, scheduling, and payments.
Our goal is to make locum coverage simple, transparent, and trustworthy. With LOCVM, you can:
- Post or browse locum opportunities based on specialty, availability, and location
- Match with qualified physicians based on your staffing needs and preferences
- Connect directly through secure, built-in messaging
- Trust your matches, knowing all physicians undergo medical license verification
- Use an optional deposit system to provide peace of mind for both parties
- Handle payments directly through the platform, making it easy to pay your locum, or get paid
LOCVM is currently in beta and expanding across Canada to support hospitals, clinics, and physicians with flexible, reliable locum staffing solutions nationwide.
No. The beta version of LOCVM is completely free for all users. If that changes, we will announce any fees before they take effect.
LOCVM is designed for:
- Locum Physicians: Licensed physicians in Ontario seeking temporary or short-term assignments.
- Staff Physicians: Physicians looking to find qualified locum coverage for vacations, leaves, or schedule gaps.
- Recruiters: Medical recruiters seeking to connect with available locum physicians.
- Hospitals: Institutions that need temporary physician coverage or wish to support staff in finding locums.
- Healthcare Professionals: If you’re a healthcare professional outside of these categories, join our mailing list to stay informed about future opportunities in your field.
- Locum Physicians: Licensed physicians in Ontario seeking temporary or short-term assignments.
- Staff Physicians: Physicians looking to find qualified locum coverage for vacations, leaves, or schedule gaps.
- Recruiters: Medical recruiters seeking to connect with available locum physicians.
- Hospitals: Institutions that need temporary physician coverage or wish to support staff in finding locums.
- Healthcare Professionals: If you’re a healthcare professional outside of these categories, join our mailing list to stay informed about future opportunities in your field.
1. Verify Your Medical License
All physicians must verify their medical (CPSO, CPSA...) license before they can post a locum shift or book a job. This ensures LOCVM remains a trusted and professional network.
2. Search or Post Opportunities
- Staff Physicians, hospitals, recruiters can post available shifts, specifying location, specialty, schedule, and more.
- Locum Physicians can browse available positions that match their interests and availability.
3. Communicate Easily
Use secure in-app messaging to ask questions, clarify expectations, and coordinate details before committing to a shift.
4. (Optional) Use Optional Deposit & Payment Tools
Staff physicians can choose to place a deposit to confirm bookings, and LOCVM also supports secure in-platform payments to simplify compensation. For more information, visit the Payments & Deposits section below.
All physicians must verify their medical (CPSO, CPSA...) license before they can post a locum shift or book a job. This ensures LOCVM remains a trusted and professional network.
2. Search or Post Opportunities
- Staff Physicians, hospitals, recruiters can post available shifts, specifying location, specialty, schedule, and more.
- Locum Physicians can browse available positions that match their interests and availability.
3. Communicate Easily
Use secure in-app messaging to ask questions, clarify expectations, and coordinate details before committing to a shift.
4. (Optional) Use Optional Deposit & Payment Tools
Staff physicians can choose to place a deposit to confirm bookings, and LOCVM also supports secure in-platform payments to simplify compensation. For more information, visit the Payments & Deposits section below.
Yes, the platform focuses on locum opportunities, but it’s also designed for staff physicians who need to find temporary coverage, giving them the flexibility to take time off.
Staff physicians post the exact dates and hours they require coverage. Locum physicians can then apply for shifts that match their availability. The platform offers tools to help manage schedules and facilitates direct communication between staff and locum physicians.
Staff physicians can post their coverage needs by clicking the Create menu item at the top of the page. Locum physicians can message you and apply if interested. You will then review applications and accept or decline locum requests. If you decline a request, your posting remains live until another locum is booked.
All staff and locum physicians using LOCVM must be licensed to practice in Canada and hold a valid Liscense number issued by the corresponding college (eg: College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario). During registration, users are required to submit proof of their medical license, which LOCVM verifies to ensure the authenticity of each profile.
Your CPSO Certificate of Registration is required for physician verification on LOCVM. Follow our step-by-step guide to download it from the CPSO Member Portal. We also accept your CPSO annual fee receipt.
After each assignment, both staff physicians and locum physicians have the opportunity to leave feedback and ratings. This review system promotes transparency, helps maintain high standards, and fosters a trusted community focused on quality care.
If you encounter any problems or have questions, our support team is ready to assist you. Please contact us at support@locvm.ca.
FAQ: Payments & Deposits
LOCVM is free for now for all users to create an account, post, and apply. There is no platform charge just to browse opportunities or submit an application. Each locum opportunity sets its own compensation, so pay depends on the poster's own pay structure and the agreement listed on that posting.
LOCVM is free to use during the beta. That means no fees for signing up, browsing, or posting locum shifts.
After the beta period ends, LOCVM may introduce fees for some features. The exact fee structure will be announced before the beta ends, and you'll always see any fees before you pay.
Payments
Every locum arrangement is different, and LOCVM is built with that flexibility in mind. There are two ways payments can be handled:
1. Through LOCVM (via Jetpay)
- LOCVM can securely handle payments, especially useful when compensation is arranged directly between physicians rather than paid by the Ministry of Health.
- To keep things smooth, we collect the payment upfront from the staff physician before the locum shift starts (similar to other service platforms like house rentals).
- LOCVM then automatically pays the locum monthly (or after the assignment if it's under one month).
This removes the need for multiple e-transfers or cheques and ensures that locums are paid on time.
2. Direct Payment (Outside the Platform)
- If the staff physician chooses to manage payment independently (e.g., through a personal arrangement), LOCVM is not involved in the transaction.
- Similarly, if the locum physician is compensated directly by the Ministry of Health or through HealthForceOntario (HFO), LOCVM does not facilitate or oversee the payment.
- In all of these cases, LOCVM cannot guarantee payment, as it falls outside the platform’s control.
Deposit System (Optional)
LOCVM also offers an optional deposit system to encourage commitment and reduce last-minute cancellations. Think of it like reserving a table at a popular restaurant.
- If the deposit system is enabled, both the staff and locum physician pay a $300 deposit to finalize the booking.
- The deposit is fully refundable at the end of the assignment, as long as the shift is completed as agreed.
If either party cancels within 14 days of the scheduled start date, the deposit is transferred to the non-canceling party to help offset the inconvenience.
This system promotes accountability while giving both parties peace of mind. Again, it’s entirely optional. The staff physician decides whether to activate it when posting the shift, and locum physicians can choose to apply to postings that use it.
Every locum arrangement is different, and LOCVM is built with that flexibility in mind. There are two ways payments can be handled:
1. Through LOCVM (via Jetpay)
- LOCVM can securely handle payments, especially useful when compensation is arranged directly between physicians rather than paid by the Ministry of Health.
- To keep things smooth, we collect the payment upfront from the staff physician before the locum shift starts (similar to other service platforms like house rentals).
- LOCVM then automatically pays the locum monthly (or after the assignment if it's under one month).
This removes the need for multiple e-transfers or cheques and ensures that locums are paid on time.
2. Direct Payment (Outside the Platform)
- If the staff physician chooses to manage payment independently (e.g., through a personal arrangement), LOCVM is not involved in the transaction.
- Similarly, if the locum physician is compensated directly by the Ministry of Health or through HealthForceOntario (HFO), LOCVM does not facilitate or oversee the payment.
- In all of these cases, LOCVM cannot guarantee payment, as it falls outside the platform’s control.
Deposit System (Optional)
LOCVM also offers an optional deposit system to encourage commitment and reduce last-minute cancellations. Think of it like reserving a table at a popular restaurant.
- If the deposit system is enabled, both the staff and locum physician pay a $300 deposit to finalize the booking.
- The deposit is fully refundable at the end of the assignment, as long as the shift is completed as agreed.
If either party cancels within 14 days of the scheduled start date, the deposit is transferred to the non-canceling party to help offset the inconvenience.
This system promotes accountability while giving both parties peace of mind. Again, it’s entirely optional. The staff physician decides whether to activate it when posting the shift, and locum physicians can choose to apply to postings that use it.
If the staff physician is using LOCVM’s Jetpay payment system: - For assignments under one month: You’ll be paid after the assignment is complete. - For assignments over one month: You’ll be paid monthly, starting from the end of the first month. If the staff physician is handling payment directly, you’ll be paid based on your agreement with them. LOCVM does not process or monitor payments in this case.
The deposit system is optional.
- Staff physicians decide whether or not to use the deposit system when posting a shift. - If they opt in, both the staff and locum physician must pay a $300 deposit to confirm the match. - If the staff physician does not request a deposit, the booking can proceed without one. If you’re a locum physician and want the added protection of the deposit system, look for shifts that specify “Deposit Required.”
- Staff physicians decide whether or not to use the deposit system when posting a shift. - If they opt in, both the staff and locum physician must pay a $300 deposit to confirm the match. - If the staff physician does not request a deposit, the booking can proceed without one. If you’re a locum physician and want the added protection of the deposit system, look for shifts that specify “Deposit Required.”
Yes. At the time of booking, you'll see a detailed breakdown that includes: - Assignment payment (whether it's paid directly by the staff physician or processe through LOCVM via JetPay) - Any service or handling fees (if applicable) - Deposit requirements (if selected) - This gives both parties full transparency before confirming a match.
Some postings use See additional details when the compensation needs a bit more explanation. In the posting form, there is an extra payment details box where the poster can specify things like payment structure, rates, OHIP or non-OHIP billing, call coverage, stipends, or other important payment terms. If you see that label, review the additional payment details section of the posting for the full context.
FAQ: For Clinics
Post your dates, specialty, and location on LOCVM and review applications from verified physicians. For a full walkthrough, including where else to look, read our guide: How to find a locum in Ontario.
For an FHO, the locum is generally set up through a Contracted Physician Add-on submitted to the Ministry of Health about two weeks before the locum starts, and it can cover a maximum of one year. Requirements change, so confirm the current process with the Ministry of Health and your group's contract.
We recommend one. A written agreement should cover dates and hours, pay and billing, call coverage, and cancellation. See our locum contract templates and guide to get started.
As early as you know your dates. If you are in an FHO, the Ministry of Health needs about two weeks of notice for the add-on, and locums also need time to confirm their own registration and billing. Posting early gives more physicians the chance to apply.
FAQ: For Locums
You need a Certificate of Registration from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) that allows independent practice, membership with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), and your own OHIP billing number. Each can take several weeks, so apply early. To verify on LOCVM, follow our CPSO Certificate of Registration guide.
There is no single rate. Pay depends on specialty, community, and the arrangement, such as a share of billings, a daily rate, or a stipend. Check the compensation and payment details on each posting, and see our locum contracts guide. Fee schedule details are on the Ministry of Health website.
No. A locum bills under their own OHIP billing number, not the covered physician's. Confirm the details of your arrangement with the Ministry of Health and the CPSO.
Browse open postings on LOCVM and apply to the ones that fit your dates. Our guide How to find locum work in Ontario covers other places to look and how to stand out.
Many new physicians locum to try different practices before settling. Before you start, have your CPSO registration, CMPA membership, and OHIP billing number in place, and ask the covered physician what support to expect. Our guide How to find locum work in Ontario is a good place to begin.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Email us at support@locvm.ca, or read our locum guides.