VISTA Voice

Misinformation continues to surround use of the Q6 modifier, or the billing for services provided by a locum tenens physician. This can result in mistakes that prove costly or even detrimental to practices, as they may result in audits or further disciplinary action.

The Q6 modifier is intended to be a tool that practices can use when a physician is away for an extended period of time, therefore requiring temporary coverage by a locum tenens. It covers Part B fees, or medical claims related to the professional service provided, which are billed using the existing physician’s NPI number and the Q6 modifier.

To prevent abuse, there are stringent rules in place surrounding the conditions for using this modifier. When it is used, the surrounding circumstances must be well-documented. Carefully review the details associated with when and how to use the Q6 modifier to ensure that you remain compliant.

Travel is one of the key reasons clinicians are attracted to locum tenens jobs. But even the excitement for travel opportunities does not eliminate the fact that making travel and housing arrangements can be a headache for locum tenens clinicians - consuming your time and causing you more hassle.

One available option is to work with a full-service locum tenens agency that can handle your travel and housing arrangements. And understanding what to expect can help you select an agency that best fits your needs and ensure that you get the most out of working with them.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the median medical school debt is $195,000, and nearly 46% of medical school graduates plan to enter a loan forgiveness program. Not surprising, many physicians struggle with the costs of education, and those with extreme student debt can expect to pay more than $2,000 each month for nearly 10 years.

If you’re considering accepting a locum tenens assignment, you may be wondering how being a parent fits into the mix. Guess what? Your children are probably wondering, too! The good news is that locum tenens jobs and family life are a perfect fit. Still, your kids may have some concerns - which is why we’ve compiled this list of four questions your kids might ask about being a locum tenens clinician. We’ve also provided answers aimed at satisfying their curiosity, while helping them to understand the many benefits associated with locum tenens work.

The role of the nurse practitioner (NP) will be showcased November 11–17, 2018, as NPs across the country celebrate more than 50 years of practice during National NP Week. In the United States, this distinguished group of health care professionals number approximately 248,000 strong, with an additional 23,000 NP students graduating each year.

Looking to land the perfect locum tenens position? Even the most talented physician needs to take an organized approach if they want to find their ideal position. Use the tips we’ve provided below to improve your chances of standing out and landing the locum tenens position of your dreams.

With many reasons to love locum tenens work, you may not have even considered the potential benefits you can earn through airline and hotel loyalty rewards programs. But it can pay to take advantage of these perks.

Travel points can add up quickly, giving you the means to fly and stay free when you want to get away for a vacation. Rewards programs for travelers are generally free, and signing up is easy. Once you’ve added your rewards member numbers to your VISTA travel profile, the airline miles and hotel points will accumulate automatically when you travel.

You've just landed your first locum tenens assignment. You're excited about this new opportunity, but at the same time, you're wary. You may ask yourself: “Is locum tenens right for me?” “Will I have a hard time landing back-to-back assignments?” “How will working locum tenens affect my career prospects? ”You have a lot of questions, and fortunately, many have gone before you who can answer them. Let's explore four common concerns that clinicians have when going on their first locum tenens assignment, and see what former and current locum tenens clinicians had to say about it.

The path to finding the ideal career can be a winding one, and Dr. Guo knows this very well. He started his education in computer science before heading to medical school. While there, he was referred to VISTA by a friend who’s done locum tenens work with us in the past. But it wasn’t until he received a few emails from a dedicated VISTA recruiter that he finally started down the path to locum tenens.

Dr. Guo, a former VISTA hospitalist, offers this advice based on his locum tenens experience: "During the time I'm working, I start to plan for my next assignment to minimize unwanted gaps between contracts. It helps to have one or more sites that have an ongoing flexible need without minimum monthly commitments." Dr. Guo kept in touch with our recruiters for three years before finishing his residency program in 2016. Over the years, he’s found locum tenens work through VISTA in California, Oregon and Minnesota. 

Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Guo’s experience in his own words.