Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: Our group is starting to use quite a few locums for coverage in special circumstances. In the past, we used the Q6 modifier in these situations. It this still a valid modifier for CMS?

New Mexico Subscriber

Answer: Yes, modifier Q6 (Services furnished by a locum tenens physician) is still a valid option, provided you meet the criteria. The CMS website includes tips about the proper usage of Q6.

Use modifier Q6 when:

• A physician agrees to see the patients of another physician under arrangements of the original physician
• The regular physician is not available to see patients
• The substitute physician provides short-term coverage for the regular physician (under 60 days)
• The locum tenens physician is not in practice for himself/herself, or employed as part of another practice.

Do not use modifier Q6 or consider the physician a locum tenens provider when:

• The physician is covering for a long-term absence (greater than 60 days)
• The physician providing coverage for the regular physician is in the same group.

The regular physician maintains the records, and states who saw the patient that day by name and National Provider Identifier (NPI). For more on CMS guidelines for locum tenens, see the CMS Internet-Only Manual, Publication 100-04, Chapter 1, Section 30.2.11.