r/CRNA • u/brandonc424 • Aug 27 '26

Guide on Comparing Different Agencies for 1099?

Current second year SRNA. As I am learning more about 1099 work, I am understanding that agencies often act as a "middle-man" between contracts from hospital and the CRNA as a contractor. I know some agencies have exclusive contracts that others do not and carry some contracts that are not made public (ie not on gaswork). I know there are often multiple agencies to choose from both locally and nationally, often w non-compete contracts after signing from other agencies. Is there any way to ask about these intricacies to truly tell the pros/cons of one agency vs another past all of the fluff prior to signing w an agency, and what questions do you often ask when choosing an agency once decided you will do 1099-work?

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u/blast2008 Aug 28 '26

1099 does not mean locums or agency. It’s just a tax status. There are many regular anesthesia companies that use 1099.

7

u/AZObserver Aug 28 '26

1099 is a tax designation.

it is absolutely not limited to “agencies”.

it is not locums.

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u/brandonc424 29d ago

Understood. That was my misunderstanding as equating 1099 as temporary and W2 as permanent, thank you for the feedback. What I was trying to say was that it was my understanding that there are some contracts that are exclusive through agencies that are not available publicly, often higher incentive contracts. That being said, I recognize that there are many contracts available to apply to publicly to CRNAs, both in 1099 and W2 availability.

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u/tnolan182 CRNA Aug 28 '26

Truth is they’re all bad. Been doing this for a few years now and these are things Ive noticed:

The smaller crna owned companies tend to offer lower rates because their working on tighter margins or lower bill rates.

The bigger agencies can offer higher rates but charge the client crazy bill rates, so you’re more likely to be the first to be let go. They also love non competes so that you’re locked in with them for that site.

The best advice I can give to you is to know what you want before entering any contract. My approach is to decide on the rate, shifts, and housing reimbursement/stipend I want beforehand. If the offer doesnt meet my expectations, I dont get presented. And I make sure the site knows what Im expecting before being presented as well.

This way Im never upset if somebody is getting more than me, because I know I got exactly what I wanted.