Modifier Q6- Service Furnished Under a Fee-for-Time Compensation Arrangement

Modifier Q6 is used when a physician provides services as a locum tenens or substitute physician under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement.

What is Modifier Q6?

Modifier Q6 tells insurance payers that a substitute physician furnished services on behalf of another physician under an approved fee-for-time compensation arrangement.

When to Use Modifier Q6

• A substitute physician provides patient care
• The regular physician is temporarily unavailable
• A fee-for-time compensation arrangement exists
• Medicare billing requirements are met

Billing Example

A physician is unavailable due to illness, and a qualified substitute physician treats patients during the absence. Modifier Q6 may be appended to eligible claims when Medicare requirements are satisfied.

Documentation Tips

• Document the substitute physician arrangement
• Record the dates of coverage
• Verify Medicare locum tenens requirements
• Maintain complete patient records

Common Denial Reasons

• Substitute physician requirements not met
• Missing documentation
• Incorrect modifier usage
• Billing exceeds Medicare time limitations

Related Modifiers

Modifier GX

Modifier GA

Modifier KX