By Madalyn Manning, Director of Talent Management at Revuud
I talk to healthcare IT consultants every day. And at some point, almost all of them ask the same question:
“Should I go 1099?”
Sometimes they’re burned out from full-time roles. Sometimes they’ve heard they can make more money. And sometimes they just want more control over their schedule.
The reality is, 1099 work can be a great path. But it’s not just a different way to get paid. It’s a different way to work.
Here’s what I tell consultants before they make the switch. It starts with understanding what the role actually is.
A 1099 contractor is self-employed. You’re not on payroll, and you’re not receiving benefits from the company you’re working with.
In healthcare IT, that usually means:
Most of the opportunities we see are tied to real initiatives that need to move quickly. Health systems don’t have time for long ramp-ups. They need people who can step in and contribute right away.
That includes:
The consultants who do well treat this like a business, not a side option.
They stay organized. They stay responsive. And they’re always ready when the right opportunity comes up.
This is usually the biggest concern, and it should be.
As a 1099 contractor:
If you’re new to this, the simplest starting point is to set aside around 25 to 30 percent of your income.
Most consultants also work with an accountant to make sure everything is handled correctly. It’s worth it, especially in your first year.
There’s a reason more healthcare IT professionals are moving in this direction.
The benefits are real:
I’ve seen consultants use 1099 roles to build a much better setup for themselves, both financially and personally.
But it only works if you stay disciplined. The flexibility is a benefit, but it can also work against you if you’re not managing your pipeline.
This is where a lot of consultants either gain traction quickly or struggle.
Clients are moving fast. When they open a role, they want to understand right away:
The consultants who consistently get picked do a few things differently:
I’ve seen strong candidates miss out simply because they took too long to respond.
Speed matters more than most people realize.
A few patterns come up again and again:
Waiting too long to respond
Opportunities move quickly. Delays can cost you the role.
Not planning for downtime between contracts
Even in a strong market, short gaps happen. Plan for them.
Underselling your experience
If you’ve worked in areas like Epic Revenue Cycle, data, or integrations, your skills are in demand. Make sure that’s clear.
It depends on what you want out of your career.
If you’re looking for stability and benefits, a full-time role may make more sense.
If you want flexibility, higher earning potential, and more control over your work, 1099 can be a strong option.
Most of the consultants I talk to who make the switch don’t go back. But the ones who succeed are the ones who treat it seriously from the start.
Healthcare IT isn’t slowing down.
We’re seeing continued demand for:
That demand is creating real opportunities for consultants who are ready to step in and deliver value quickly.
If you’re thinking about going 1099, the best thing you can do is be prepared. Get clear on your experience, stay responsive, and be ready to move.
That’s what separates the consultants who stay consistently booked from the ones who are always searching for the next role.
What is a 1099 healthcare IT contractor?
A 1099 healthcare IT contractor is a self-employed professional who works on short-term or project-based roles, typically supporting EHR systems like Epic, data initiatives, or system optimizations.
Do 1099 contractors make more money?
They often have higher hourly rates than full-time employees, but they are responsible for taxes, benefits, and managing gaps between projects.
Do I need an LLC to work 1099?
Not always. Many consultants start as sole proprietors, but some choose to set up an LLC for liability protection and tax planning.
How do I find 1099 healthcare IT jobs?
Platforms like Revuud connect consultants directly with health systems, making it easier to find and secure contract opportunities without relying on traditional staffing models.
Revuud gives you direct access to healthcare IT contract opportunities and helps you move faster when the right role opens up.
Join the platform and position yourself for your next project.