Radiology Coding Alert

Question: My radiology group is using a locum tenens to fill in at the hospital when someone else is absent. How should I report these services?
F
lorida Subscriber

Answer: Consult your HCPCS book and append modifier -Q6 whenever you code for a locum tenens physician who is working in the place of a full-time physician.
 
Modifier -Q6 (Service furnished by a locum tenens physician) is one you may not have to use too often, but it's one that has specific rules you need to know. For example, you can't use this modifier for services performed when the group employs extra physicians during peak times, but only when the locum physician is replacing a physician who is absent. If there is a period when your practice is short-staffed, engage the short-term doctors as contracted physicians rather than locum tenens, and use the personal provider number of the short-term doctor. 
 
Another rule to remember is that Medicare won't consider someone to be locum tenens if he works for more than 60 continuous days. However, if he takes a break and then resumes work, once again respecting the 60-day maximum, he should meet Medicare requirements. 
 
A locum tenens (Latin for "holding the place") is like a substitute doctor. It's a lifestyle that has been gaining popularity among new residents, doctors near retirement, and doctors thinking of making a change in their careers.