NC H666

Requires insurers to establish a process allowing regular physicians to submit claims and receive payment when a locum tenens (temporary substitute) physician provides covered visit services to their patients.

Limits locum tenens physician services to a maximum of 90 consecutive days per regular physician, with requirements that the locum tenens physician be paid on a per diem or fee-for-time basis and properly coded in claims.

Allows medical groups and hospitals to submit claims for locum tenens physician services, treating compensation paid by the group or hospital to the locum tenens physician as payment by the regular physician for purposes of meeting requirements.

Permits credentialed locum tenens physicians to substitute for regular physicians without requiring a statement of supervision in cases where the regular physician is a solo practitioner or no other physician can provide supervision.

Authorizes locum tenens agencies to contract for placement and administrative services if fees are reasonably related to services provided and the agency does not interfere with physician clinical judgment; insurers must implement required processes within 180 days of the October 1, 2011 effective date.