Do you get benefits with locum tenens?

Locum Tenens Physicians Need to Have Their Own Health Insurance. Independent contractors do not receive benefits packages as traditional employees do. And that includes health insurance.

Can you bill for a locum tenens?

If a physician is absent for a limited period of time for vacation, disability, continuing education, etc, you may bill Medicare for services performed by a locum tenens physician under the regular physician’s NPI as long as the following conditions are met. The regular physician must be unavailable.

What is the Q6 modifier used for?

The Q6 modifier is intended to be a tool that practices can use when a physician is away for an extended period of time, therefore requiring temporary coverage by a locum tenens.

How much do locum tenens companies charge?

In fact, our recent data shows that locums pay can range from several hundred dollars per day to over $2,000 per day. Primary care physicians — who are among the most in-demand locum tenens physicians — typically have an hourly rate of about $90 to $100, though some contracts offer more.

What is it like to work locum tenens?

When you work as a locum tenens physician, you have a lot of freedom and flexibility when it comes to your job. Many locum doctor jobs are at hospitals that have trouble finding full time physicians (usually due to location), so locum physicians often have the option of doing multiple stints at the same employer.

Are locum tenens independent contractors?

Since a locum provider is considered an independent contractor (Form 1099), all expenses are assumed by the individual.

What is the difference between locum tenens and reciprocal billing?

Locum tenens occurs when the substitute physician covers for the regular physician during absences not to exceed a period of 90 continuous days. Reciprocal billing occurs when substitute physicians cover the regular physicians during absences and/or on an on-call basis not to exceed a period of 14 continuous days.

What does locum tenens mean?

Definition of locum tenens : one filling an office for a time or temporarily taking the place of another —used especially of a doctor or clergyman.

What is the difference between a Q5 and Q6 modifier?

It’s important to understand that these modifiers are not interchangeable. These modifiers recently had their descriptions changed to clarify some of the problems previously associated with them. Use Q5 when there is a reciprocal billing arrangement and use Q6 when there is a fee-for-time compensation arrangement.

Is Q6 a pricing modifier?

Regular physician identifies services as substitute physician services with modifier Q6 (services furnished by a fee-for-time compensation arrangement physician).

How many hours do locums work?

Working hours As a junior doctor you can carry out additional activity over and above the standard commitment set out in your work schedule up to a maximum average of 48 hours per week (or up to 56 hours per week if you have opted out of the WTR).

Does it pay to be a locum tenens provider?

The locum tenens agency pays the provider for working the assignment . Facilities pay the agency for finding a provider to fill the position and taking care of things like licensing, credentialing, privileging, housing, and travel arrangements.

Is it time to hire a locum tenens provider?

You may need to fix for an hourly rate or a one-time fee, and it all depends on your arrangement with the company. Hiring staff every time there is a vacancy can be a big deal, and if you are not keen on the distractions that come with it, having a locum tenens service provider on your payroll could be the way to go.

Why is locum tenens work is a great side gig?

When you’re freelancing at a facility, there’s no need to worry about the business side of medicine, or involve yourself in the never-ending politics and bureaucracy. Because locum tenens is a temporary assignment, there is less pressure on both the professional and social aspect of work.

What does locum tenens mean for your career?

Unlike the traditional career physician where you spend years and years in a single medical facility to gain experience and respect through tenure, a locum tenens career involves taking assignments in different areas. The locum tenens physician fills in the void left by another medical professional and works with their peers to get the job done.