In partnership with Staffency
When your permanent physicians take a leave of absence – whether for vacation, medical reasons, or ongoing training – you don’t just lose a provider. You risk losing revenue, disrupting patient care, and overburdening your existing team. That’s where locum tenens coverage comes in.
What is Locum Tenens?
Locum tenens (Latin for “to hold the place of”) refers to temporary physician staffing that fills in during scheduled or unexpected absences. It’s an essential tool to maintain continuity of care, avoid gaps in services and protect yur bottom line. In fact, the average physician generates $2.4 million in annual revenue – revenue that disappears without coverage.
But Coverage Alone Isn’t Enough. You Need to Bill It Right.
Billing for locum tenens isn’t always straightforward. The modifiers you use, the time limits, and whether or not the provider has their own practice all play a role in how you get reimbursed.
Here are some quick tips:
- Use Modifier -Q6 when the locum bills under the regular provider’s credentials.
- Use Modifier -Q5 if the locum has their own practice and is covering for another physicians.
- Medicare allows 60 days of coverage per absence – beyond that, you may need approve or alternate arrangements.
- Private payers may have different rules, so always double-check.
- Billing incorrectly can cost you, while doing it right can lead to 400% more revenue.
Need Help Navigating Locum Billing?
Staffency specializes in simplifying complex locum tenens workflows, from billing and compliance to credentialing and documentation. If your team needs help maximizing reimbursement or staying audit-ready, we’re here to help.
Interested in support with your locum billing strategy? Let us know here.
Looking to strengthen your overall workforce strategy? Visit Staffency.com.
