Locum Tenens, Reciprocal Billing / Q5 and Q6 Modifiers at a Glance

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate use of these coverage modifiers affects physician billing compliance, claims processing, and documentation integrity. The article is relevant for organizations that use substitute physicians or locum tenens arrangements and need to understand the Medicare context behind these modifiers.

Article Sections

1. Q5

   Introduces the reciprocal billing concept and summarizes the broad circumstances associated with this modifier.

2. Q6

   Introduces the locum tenens concept and summarizes the broad circumstances associated with this modifier.

3. Medicare review and billing considerations

   Describes a Medicare carrier review of modifier use and notes general claim-related concerns raised for physician practices.

4. How to bill for Q5 and Q6

   Provides an overview of billing workflow, recordkeeping, and claim documentation topics tied to these modifiers.