Don’t get too creative with 60-day locum tenens limit

Why This Topic Matters

Practices using locum tenens coverage need to understand Medicare’s time limit and related billing rules to reduce compliance risk and avoid improper claim handling when physician absences last longer than expected.

Article Sections

1. Locum tenens coverage and the 60-day limit

   Introduces the Medicare locum tenens framework and the staffing situations that can trigger extended temporary coverage needs. The section also frames the issue around continuous service limits and practice operations.

2. CMS clarification and practice concerns

   Summarizes CMS guidance and practitioner commentary on how extended absences are handled. It discusses the compliance and audit concerns that arise when temporary coverage continues beyond the usual period.

3. An alternative: Get the locum credentialed

   Describes a different operational approach for longer-term coverage and outlines general enrollment and billing considerations tied to that option. The section focuses on practice setup issues rather than specific claim outcomes.

4. Official resources

   Points readers to referenced Medicare and industry resources for further review. This section serves as a source list rather than substantive guidance.

5. CMS Q&As: Locum time limit; using locum to replace a departed physician

   Presents CMS responses to common scenarios involving temporary physician replacement and billing under an absent physician’s name and billing number. The section addresses policy interpretation and replacement timing questions.

6. Quick review of Medicare's locum rules

   Provides a condensed review of the Medicare policy framework for substitute physician services, group practice handling, and required administrative references. It also mentions related form and recordkeeping elements.