Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: I know we need to include modifier Q6 for a locum tenens claim. If the physician acting as locums is also personally performing the service, do we also include modifier AA?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: Yes, you are correct: include both modifiers on the claim.

Payment modifier AA (Anesthesia services performed personally by anesthesiologist) should be reported in the first position and informational modifier Q6 (Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician; or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area) should be reported in the second position when an anesthesiologist working with your practice as locum tenens is personally administering the anesthesia.