Fee-For-Time Billing: 7 Myths and 1 Truth About Fee-for-Time Billing

Why This Topic Matters

Practices that use temporary physician coverage need to understand how fee-for-time billing is discussed in Medicare guidance so they can recognize when the topic applies and avoid confusing it with other staffing or billing arrangements.

Article Sections

1. Truth 1: FFT Billing Applies to Temporary Doctors

   Introduces the core fee-for-time billing concept and the type of temporary coverage arrangement the article is addressing. Also references CMS guidance and the related Medicare context.

2. Myth 1: You’ll Use the Fill-in Doctor’s NPI

   Discusses billing identity and claim-submission issues associated with temporary physician coverage. Mentions payer-specific handling and form-related considerations.

3. Myth 2: You Can Bill Fee-for-Time Before Your Doctor Is Credentialed

   Covers a common misuse of fee-for-time billing involving newly hired physicians and delayed credentialing. Includes discussion of federal oversight concerns and Medicare provider-number reporting.

4. Myth 3: In Some Cases, You Can Skip Modifier Q6

   Addresses incorrect claim-reporting practices in temporary coverage situations and the importance of consistent claim preparation. Focuses on compliance concerns tied to substitute physician billing.

5. Myth 4: You Can Use FFT for “Extra Help”

   Explains that the article distinguishes temporary replacement coverage from short-term staffing used to support higher patient volume. Highlights the difference between substitute coverage and supplemental help.

6. Myth 5: There’s No Time Limit on FFT

   Describes timing limits associated with fee-for-time billing and notes that special circumstances may affect coverage duration. Also touches on what happens when longer-term coverage is needed.

7. Myth 6: You Can Use FFT for Nonphysician Providers

   Reviews whether fee-for-time billing applies to nonphysician clinicians and cites Medicare contractor guidance. Also mentions the special physical therapy-related context referenced in the article.

8. Myth 7: FFTs Can Bill for Services Normally Included in Global Period

   Addresses how fee-for-time billing relates to services that may otherwise be bundled into global surgery or postoperative payment structures. Focuses on the article’s discussion of substitute physician billing boundaries.