DirectShifts vs CompHealth: Which Is Better for Locum Tenens and Permanent Physician Placement?

DirectShifts is an AI-powered physician staffing platform founded in 2018, backed by Y Combinator. CompHealth is a traditional locum tenens agency founded in 1979, owned by CHG Healthcare. DirectShifts targets telehealth companies, multi-site groups, and health systems that want direct platform access and transparent pricing. CompHealth serves large hospitals and health systems that prefer a fully managed agency model. Both place physicians in locum tenens and permanent roles. The key difference is how: DirectShifts gives employers direct search access to 800,000+ pre-credentialed clinicians. CompHealth routes all access through a dedicated recruiter.

How Does DirectShifts Work vs CompHealth?

CompHealth assigns every employer a dedicated recruiter who manages the entire process. The employer submits a requirement, the CompHealth team sources candidates, manages credentialing, arranges travel and housing, and presents a shortlist. Employers do not interact with the platform directly.

DirectShifts gives employers direct access to a database of 800,000+ pre-verified, pre-credentialed clinicians. Employers can search, filter by specialty and license status, message, and hire without waiting for a recruiter. An AI matching tool surfaces top candidates automatically. Full concierge recruiter support is available on request.

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Which Is Better for Locum Tenens Physician Staffing?

For employers who want a fully managed process with no platform learning curve, CompHealth is a strong option. It has 45 years of locum tenens experience, 1,300+ tenured recruiters, and Joint Commission-approved credentialing. The process is reliable and well-tested for large hospital systems.

For employers who want speed, transparency, and direct access, DirectShifts is the stronger fit. Because clinicians are credentialed before they appear in search results, employers see license status, CAQH/NPI verification, and Medicaid/Medicare compliance data at the point of discovery, not after a match is made. This front-loaded credentialing cuts weeks off the standard timeline.

Which Is Better for Permanent Physician Placement?

CompHealth has a permanent placement division that runs alongside its locum tenens practice. A dedicated consultant manages the search end-to-end, following the same recruiter-driven model.

DirectShifts handles permanent placement through the same platform used for locum and per diem hiring. Locum hires can be converted to permanent roles on the same platform, with no vendor switch, no repeated credentialing, and no second contract.

How Do Credentialing Timelines Compare?

CompHealth's credentialing begins after a candidate match is made. ASPR benchmarks put in-house hospital recruitment timelines at an average of 222 days. Traditional agencies like CompHealth reduce that to around 60 days.

DirectShifts front-loads credentialing before clinicians enter the searchable pool. Employers see verified credentials at first contact.

What Does CompHealth Cost vs DirectShifts?

CompHealth does not publish fee rates, negotiated per engagement. DirectShifts publishes volume pricing tiers with up to 25% discounts for volume hiring and no monthly retainer.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose CompHealth if: Large hospital or health system, prefer fully managed agency relationship, already in a VMS/MSP program.

Choose DirectShifts if: Telehealth company, multi-site group, or a health system that wants direct access, faster credentialing, transparent pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DirectShifts better than CompHealth for telehealth staffing?
DirectShifts has a dedicated telehealth staffing service line. CompHealth handles telehealth through its standard process without a dedicated division.

Can DirectShifts handle both locum and permanent placements?
Yes, one platform. No second vendor needed.

How long does credentialing take?
CompHealth: roughly 60 days, post-match. DirectShifts: pre-verified before first contact.

Does CompHealth charge a fee?
Not published. Negotiated per engagement. DirectShifts publishes volume tiers, no retainer.