Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Verify Guides for CRNA as Locum Tenens

Published on Tue Apr 12, 2005

Question: One of our CRNAs will be on extended medical leave, so the group wants to hire a locum to fill in. I thought CRNAs could not serve as a locum tenens or have a locum tenens physician fill in for them. Now one of our carrier representatives says a CRNA can serve as a locum tenens, although she's not completely sure the claims will be paid. How should I handle this?


Wisconsin Subscriber


Answer: A few states might allow CRNAs to serve as locum tenens, but most do not. In the states that do not, only physicians may report modifier -Q6 (Service furnished by a locum tenens physician).

Your group will need sufficient time for the CRNA to sign a Reassignment of Benefits from Medicare. Other carriers to consider are Champus/Tricare, Medicaid, and Blue Shield (if applicable for your state) and any other payers that contractually require a CRNA to submit under his own provider number.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All