Wiki Locum Tenens questions

[Lisa Bledsoe]

I think this question got lost in the other post about locum tenens: Does the Locum Tenens guideline also apply to commercial insurance? If so, would you still need to use the Q6 modifier? The other question I have - as far as Medicare (or commercial I guess) don't you have to use the NPI of the "absent" doctor for all locum tenen charges?
Does anyone know? TIA

 

[cmcgarry]

Hi Lisa!

The Blues follow Medicare guidelines for locum tenans, as do most of the major payers, including using the Q6 modifier and billing under the "absent" physician's name and NPI. I would check with each carrier, though, as some require that you do put the locum's NPI somewhere on the claim (can't remember which field - 24K??)

Hope this helps!

 

[Lisa Bledsoe]

Thanks Cindy. That is what I thought but as usual, I have to find it in writing...guess I'll ask the insurance reps here to call their provider reps.