Reviewed by the MMA Chiropractors Team. MMA Chiropractors has connected doctors of chiropractic with practice opportunities across the United States since 1989.
When a chiropractor needs temporary coverage — whether for vacation, medical leave, or an unexpected absence — practices often turn to locum coverage services to maintain continuity of care. MMA Chiropractors has provided temporary doctor coverage nationwide since 1989, connecting practice owners with licensed, credentialed chiropractors for short-term and extended assignments.
Unlike traditional locum-tenens medical staffing, chiropractic coverage varies widely based on practice needs. MMA does not publish rate sheets or standardized pricing because every practice operates differently. Instead, quotes are customized based on the specific requirements of each assignment.
What Determines the Cost of Temporary Chiropractic Coverage?
Temporary coverage pricing is not one-size-fits-all. Each practice has unique needs, and several factors influence the quote you receive:
- Full-day vs. half-day coverage
- Patient volume
- Office hours and schedule structure
- Location and travel requirements
- Assignment length (single day vs. multi-week)
Because these variables differ from practice to practice, MMA provides individualized quotes rather than public rate ranges. This ensures pricing reflects the actual demands of your coverage request.
Why MMA Does Not Publish Rates Publicly
As a chiropractic staffing agency, MMA operates differently from independent locum chiropractors:
- The client pays MMA directly
- MMA pays the covering doctor
- Rates vary based on practice needs, not fixed charts
- Doctor compensation and client pricing are confidential
Public rate sheets create confusion, encourage inaccurate comparisons, and expose information that should remain private between MMA and the covering doctor. Customized quotes protect both the practice and the provider.
Half-Day vs. Full-Day Coverage
Coverage needs vary widely. Some practices require:
- A morning shift
- An afternoon shift
- A full day
- Split schedules
- Variable patient volume
Because these structures differ, half-day and full-day coverage are quoted individually based on your actual hours and workload — not a fixed percentage or formula.
Additional Factors That May Influence Your Quote
While MMA does not itemize costs publicly, quotes may reflect:
- Travel requirements
- Lodging (if needed)
- Extended hours
- High-volume schedules
- Short-notice requests
These considerations ensure the covering doctor is properly supported and your practice receives the right fit.
Locum Coverage vs. Hiring an Associate
Temporary coverage is designed for short-term needs such as:
- Vacation coverage
- Medical leave
- Maternity leave
- Emergencies
- Trial periods before hiring
It is not intended to replace a full-time associate. Coverage provides flexibility without long-term commitments, contracts, or employment obligations.
What to Ask When Requesting a Quote
To receive an accurate quote, practices should be prepared to share:
- Coverage dates
- Daily hours
- Average patient volume
- Techniques used
- Location
- Any special requirements
This information allows MMA to match your practice with the right doctor and provide a quote tailored to your needs.
The MMA Advantage
MMA Chiropractors provides:
- Licensed, insured temporary doctors
- Technique-specific matching
- Nationwide coverage
- Support for planned and emergency absences
- More than 30 years of experience serving chiropractic practices
Every quote is customized, confidential, and designed to reflect the unique needs of your practice.
Need coverage? Call MMA Chiropractors at 1-800-501-6111 to discuss your practice’s requirement
Costs vary by practice. MMA Chiropractors provides individualized quotes rather than published rates, because every practice differs on hours, patient volume, location and assignment length. Contact us for a quote tailored to your practice.
Related Resources:
Understanding locum chiropractor cost structures empowers you to budget strategically for coverage needs, whether planned vacations or unexpected absences. By evaluating the factors that drive daily rates and asking the right questions when requesting quotes, you secure quality temporary coverage that maintains patient care and practice revenue. Contact MMA Chiropractors at 1-800-501-6111 for a customized quote based on your specific practice requirements.
Reviewed by the MMA Chiropractors Team. Updated September 2026.
References
- Chiropractic Economics. Equilibrium Achieved? What’s Next? Results of the 28th Annual Fees and Reimbursements Survey 2024. https://www.chiroeco.com/equilibrium-achieved-whats-next-results-of-the-28th-annual-fees-and-reimbursements-survey-2024/
- Chiropractic Economics. CE Annual Salary and Expense Survey. https://www.chiroeco.com/ce-annual-salary-and-expense-survey/
- National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO). https://www.nalto.org/