Wiki Locum Tenens within same Group

[g.fairchild]

Hi All,

We are a multi-specialty group with one of our Providers going on Maternity leave. Another of our Physcians is seeing her patients (same Specialty) while she is out of the office. Can we bill this Physician as a Locum Tenen? ( Normally we would bill Medicare with his individual NPI....) My Administrator feels it would be more beneficial to the Provider on leave, to bill the substituting Doc as a Locum, thus giving her credit for those patient encounters.

I feel we cannot do this, as they are both under our employ, but any suggestions/comments would be welcomed.

Thanks Much....

 

[snjberry]

I was taught that locum doctors do not stay and are not employed. They just cover and go for up to 6 months at a time.
If the other Doc works there just bill under his NPI no modifer.