Locum tenens is a Latin term which translates to "placeholder" and can allude to anyone who temporarily performs the duties of another. A physician locum tenens jobs is a substitute provider hired to take over a provider's professional practice while they are unavailable. "locums" is the colloquial term for such professionals, whether singular or plural.

The physician locum tenens jobs provide the same services to patients as the regular health care professional or other clinicians. However, there are differences in credentialing and billing for these types of providers.

What is the difference between a locum tenens provider and a temporary medical physician job?

A real locum tenens provider can only fill in for a co-worker for a total of 60 days in a row. Temporary medical physician jobs, on the other hand, may work for more than 60 days in a row and are subject to various credentialing and billing prerequisites.

While the two terms are frequently used interchangeably, they are not the same when it involves medical billing under federal guidelines. As a result, it is critical to understand the distinction when sourcing providers from locum tenens firms.

A locum tenens provider's characteristics and requirements

The following characteristics distinguish "locums" and the conditions that make them necessary in healthcare:

Guidance on billing, documentation, and reimbursement for a locum tenens provider

If clinician bills as real locum tenens providers, health systems must adhere to strict billing guidelines. When the billing department remits payment, the claim will be sent out in the regular provider's name with the appropriate modifier indicating that a locum tenens provider is going to fill in. The following are typical guidelines for compensating locum tenens providers:

Wrapping Up

In case you want to know more about billing terms for locum tenens, make sure to contact the ProLocums team via info@prolocums.com