Bridging Coverage Gaps—Without Breaking the Billing Flow
Physicians take PTO. They attend conferences. Life happens. But for your health system, patient care—and reimbursement—can’t stop.
Enter the Q6 modifier: A CMS-approved billing solution that lets your team bring in a qualified locum tenens provider, while still billing under your employed physician’s NPI.
No disruptions. No delays. No lost revenue.
What Is the Q6 Modifier?
The Q6 modifier tells payers (especially Medicare) that:
“This service was provided by a temporary, qualified substitute physician. Bill it under the regular provider’s credentials.”
That’s huge. It means you can keep claims moving without credentialing the locum for every single payer.
Why Health Systems Love Q6
Here’s what it unlocks for your operations:
✅ No billing delays due to credentialing wait times
✅ Fast locum placements during staffing shortages or leave
✅ Continuity of care without reimbursement gaps
✅ Scalable staffing during peak seasons or physician burnout
It’s not just a modifier. It’s a strategy.
Common Pitfalls—And How We Help You Avoid Them
❗ Not all private payers accept Q6—Nectar Locums can help vet which plans qualify.
❗ 60-day limit is strict—our team tracks coverage periods to stay compliant.
❗ Proper documentation is key—we’ll guide your admin staff through what to keep on file.
Future-Proof Your Staffing Model
The Q6 modifier isn’t just a workaround—it’s a way forward. ✔️ Use it for vacations, sabbaticals, and temporary leave
✔️ Backfill providers fast—without slowing down billing
✔️ Get expert locum support, documentation, and compliance guidance
