Wiki Q6 - Guidelines on if chart needs cosigned?

[jenniferbondra@yahoo.com]

Hello,

I am in need of assistance. When using Q6, who signs the chart? Do we need the physician whom is out to sign off? I can not find guidelines on this anywhere.

 

[amyjph]

Good question. It wouldn't make sense to me that they would have to co-sign another physician's documentation. That seems like it would defeat some of the purpose of a fill in provider.

I found this on Noridian's site: https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jfb/cert-reviews/signature-requirement-q-a

Q24. When a locum tenens physician provides services, what are the signature guidelines?
A24. Locum tenens physicians are identified using the Q6 modifier as he/she bills under the physician he/she is substituting for. Identify the locum tenens physician within the records and the signature should be that of the locum tenens physician.

In quickly looking at https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/clm104c01.pdf
30.2.11 - Payment Under Fee-For-Time Compensation Arrangements (formerly referred to as Locum Tenens Arrangements) - Claims Submitted to A/B MACs Part B (Rev. 3774, 05-12-17, Effective:06-13-17, Implementation: 06-13-17)

The guidelines state "The identification of the substitute physician or physical therapist is primarily for purposes of providing documentation to verify upon audit that the services were furnished, not for purposes of the payment or the limiting charge." and "A record of each service provided by the substitute physician or physical therapist must be kept on file along with the substitute physician’s or physical therapist’s NPI. This record must be made available to the A/B MACs Part B upon request."

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