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Locum Tenens: As Easy as 1-2-3

It is the flu season and your waiting room is full. As a medical group administrator, you receive a call from one of your physicians stating he or she was in an accident and will be out recuperating for the next three weeks. You have heard of locum tenens but never used a locum tenens firm. Below are the answers to many of your questions.

Where do I find a reputable locum tenens firm?
Contact a colleague. You may find your colleagues routinely use locum tenens physicians when they have physicians on vacation, doing CME, on maternity leave or taking a sabbatical. You could also contact the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) at www.nalto.org.

How much will it cost?
You don't pay the physician. Locum tenens physicians are independent contractors and are reimbursed by the locum tenens firm. Most firms charge an hourly or daily rate according to specialty. You will be billed for the hours the physician works and your office retains the professional fees generated by the physician.

How do I bill for the locum tenens services?
In most cases, you are able to bill for the services the locum tenens physician provides. Medicare rules state locum tenens services should be billed using the Q6 modifier. Check with you coder, billing company, insurance company or individual responsible for your billing.

What about malpractice insurance?
Locum tenens firms routinely arrange for malpractice insurance. Be sure to request a copy of their Certificate of Insurance and make sure you are comfortable with the limits provided.

How do I know the physician is qualified to see our patients?
The locum firm will gather information from you like dates, times, location, patient load, call schedule, hospital responsibilities and special skill and procedure requirements. The firm will then contact their pool of prescreened physicians to match your requirements with their experience and qualifications.

What is the process?
Prior to presenting a candidate for consideration, the firm will pre-qualify the physician including verification of licensure and training and experience. Physicians provide the locum tenens firm with their CV, DEA, state license, Board Certification and CME. Any history of malpractice is required in order to arrange for the malpractice insurance. In addition, references are obtained to determine clinical skills, knowledge, and colleague, patient and staff rapport. Many locum tenens firms also conduct criminal background checks.

Do we get to meet the physician prior to making a decision?
In most cases, a phone interview is conducted. Locum tenens physicians are accustomed to working in a variety of practice settings and will integrate easily into the practice. If you prefer to interview in person, a visit can be coordinated. However, you will incur the travel expense associated with the interview.

How much advance notice do I need to give the locum tenens firm?
The more notice the easier it is to for the firm to locate interested physicians who will be available. However, locum tenens firms realize a physician staffing shortage is often due to an emergency and you have an immediate need. You can be assured locum firms will do their best to locate physicians who will continue to provide quality medical care to your patients.

If you would like more information about locum tenens, please contact us.