I'm wondering if all agencies take the time to screen before sending a provider to, for example, a fancy hotel, or allowing you to meet one in an in-call location.

The reason I ask is that I see lots of advertisements for same day appointments by phone on agency webpages. That doesn't seem like very much time to check out employment info etc. Perhaps they count on other factors for safety, such as a more controlled setting?

Just trying to figure out what to expect if I do go the agency route and what info they will require.

...I'm guessing that a 3rd party verification service is handy, but I'm not sure which are readily accepted.

I would not book with them.  Screening means safety for both players.  I have booked with about a half dozen agencies and they have always screened.  This should be the case no matter whether it's incall or outcall.

It doesn't take long, or at least the agency I use doesn't. They do offer same day appointments so it's obviously different from the way indies do it. But the point is they do screen. They screened me the first time and never again. Like inicky said, I wouldn't have used them if they didn't. They may ask for name, phone number and employment info. They don't require references and they may or may not take P411 or DateCheck as a reference. I'm speaking for the ones in my area. Where you are may be different. In my opinion an agency is a good way to get started in the hobby. Just like everything else there are good ones and bad ones. Do some research.

Well, I might as well come out and say it:

I'm self employed, and completely lost on how to manage verification that seems centered on calling an actual place of work.

I don't know the particulars but I know of many self employed guys that have no problem being screened and accepted. Check on you local board for agencies that post ads. Check the agency reviews here on TER. Look at their web sites. Read, read, read. When you are confident you have found a reputable agency give them a call and see what they say. If you can PM, see if there are guys in your area that can recommend an agency. Over time just reading the posts on your board you should be able to get an idea of the good agencies. If you don't have VIP I recommend getting it so you can have access to all the info TER has to offer.

I'll add that if you want to look into seeing independents P411 is a good verification option. You can get verified by them. They have a phone number you can call, talk with someone and work out the info your willing to give since you're self employed and then you can check for "newbie" friendly providers that are listed on P411 and get started that way.