Part B Mythbuster: Locum Tenens Won't Solve Billing Problems for New Physicians Who Aren't Yet Credentialed

Why This Topic Matters

Billing practices around locum tenens and credentialing can affect claim accuracy, compliance exposure, and how services are attributed within Medicare claims processing. Understanding the general policy context helps practices avoid using a temporary-coverage concept in situations it was not intended to cover.

Article Sections

1. Myth and Reality

   Introduces the billing scenario being discussed and contrasts a common assumption with the Medicare policy context surrounding locum tenens coverage.

2. The Scenario

   Describes the practice setting, credentialing delay issue, and the general type of billing behavior that prompted the discussion.

3. What is Locum Tenens?

   Summarizes the basic locum tenens billing framework and the related Medicare claim-filing elements discussed in the article.

4. Don't Just Leave Off Modifier Q6

   Addresses a separate billing variation involving omission of the locum tenens modifier and discusses the compliance risk context mentioned in the article.