Reader Questions: Obey the 60-day Max for Locum Tenens

Why This Topic Matters

Locum tenens arrangements are common during physician absences, and billing them incorrectly can create claim errors. This article helps readers understand the general administrative and coding context so they can decide whether the full guidance applies to their situation.

Article Sections

1. Question

   A reader asks about billing a substitute physician during maternity leave and whether any special coding or modifier considerations apply.

2. Answer

   The response outlines the broad billing approach for locum tenens services, including claim setup, a modifier discussion, and a coverage time limit.

3. Billing

   This section describes the general claim reporting approach for services furnished by a substitute physician under the covering physician’s identifiers.

4. Modifier

   This section identifies a specific modifier associated with locum tenens services and explains that it is discussed in the context of those claims.

5. Time limit

   This section discusses the maximum duration for locum tenens coverage referenced in the article.