{"id":1489,"date":"2026-10-09T12:31:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T12:31:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/?p=1489"},"modified":"2026-10-09T12:31:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T12:31:35","slug":"locum-tenens-billing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/","title":{"rendered":"Locum Tenens Billing: Q6 Modifier &#038; Medicare Rules Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For qualifying Medicare locum tenens arrangements, the regular physician or eligible physical therapist can bill for covered services provided by a substitute provider. The claim uses the regular provider&#8217;s billing information and the <\/span><b>Q6 modifier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to identify the service as furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement. The substitute provider&#8217;s NPI must also be kept in the required records.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#What_Is_Locum_Tenens_Billing\" >What Is Locum Tenens Billing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Medicare_Locum_Tenens_Billing_Rules\" >Medicare Locum Tenens Billing Rules<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#When_Does_a_Locum_Arrangement_Qualify\" >When Does a Locum Arrangement Qualify?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#How_Long_Can_a_Locum_Provider_Be_Billed_Under_the_Arrangement\" >How Long Can a Locum Provider Be Billed Under the Arrangement?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Whose_NPI_Goes_on_the_Claim\" >Whose NPI Goes on the Claim?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#What_Records_Should_a_Practice_Keep\" >What Records Should a Practice Keep?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#What_Is_the_Q6_Modifier_and_When_Do_You_Use_It\" >What Is the Q6 Modifier and When Do You Use It?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#How_Is_Q6_Reported\" >How Is Q6 Reported?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Locum_Tenens_vs_Reciprocal_Billing_Q6_vs_Q5\" >Locum Tenens vs. Reciprocal Billing: Q6 vs. Q5<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#How_to_Bill_for_Locum_Tenens_Services_A_Worked_Example\" >How to Bill for Locum Tenens Services: A Worked Example<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Step_1_Confirm_the_Arrangement\" >Step 1: Confirm the Arrangement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Step_2_Track_the_Coverage_Period\" >Step 2: Track the Coverage Period.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Step_3_Prepare_the_Claim\" >Step 3: Prepare the Claim.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Step_4_Maintain_the_Substitutes_Information\" >Step 4: Maintain the Substitute&#8217;s Information.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Step_5_Recheck_Payer_Rules\" >Step 5: Recheck Payer Rules.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Medicaid_vs_Commercial_Payers_What_Changes\" >Medicaid vs. Commercial Payers: What Changes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Billing_for_Locum_NPs_and_PAs_What_to_Check\" >Billing for Locum NPs and PAs: What to Check<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Common_Locum_Tenens_Billing_Mistakes\" >Common Locum Tenens Billing Mistakes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Using_Q6_Without_a_Qualifying_Arrangement\" >Using Q6 Without a Qualifying Arrangement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Losing_Track_of_the_60-Day_Period\" >Losing Track of the 60-Day Period<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Assuming_All_Payers_Follow_Medicare\" >Assuming All Payers Follow Medicare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Failing_to_Keep_the_Substitutes_NPI_Record\" >Failing to Keep the Substitute&#8217;s NPI Record<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Treating_Q5_and_Q6_as_Interchangeable\" >Treating Q5 and Q6 as Interchangeable<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Locum_Tenens_Billing_Checklist_for_Facilities\" >Locum Tenens Billing Checklist for Facilities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Final_Takeaway\" >Final Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Can_a_Locum_Provider_Bill_Medicare_Under_Their_Own_NPI\" >Can a Locum Provider Bill Medicare Under Their Own NPI?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#What_Happens_After_the_60-Day_Limit\" >What Happens After the 60-Day Limit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Is_Q6_the_Same_as_Q5\" >Is Q6 the Same as Q5?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Do_Commercial_Payers_Use_Q6\" >Do Commercial Payers Use Q6?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Does_Medicaid_Follow_Medicares_Locum_Tenens_Rules\" >Does Medicaid Follow Medicare\u2019s Locum Tenens Rules?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#What_Records_Should_I_Keep_for_Locum_Tenens_Billing\" >What Records Should I Keep for Locum Tenens Billing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Can_an_Excluded_Provider_Work_as_a_Locum_Tenens\" >Can an Excluded Provider Work as a Locum Tenens?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Do_Existing_Prior_Authorizations_Apply_to_Locum_Tenens_Services\" >Do Existing Prior Authorizations Apply to Locum Tenens Services?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-billing\/#Can_Nurse_Practitioners_and_PAs_Provide_Locum_Tenens_Coverage\" >Can Nurse Practitioners and PAs Provide Locum Tenens Coverage?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Locum_Tenens_Billing\"><\/span><strong>What Is Locum Tenens Billing?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locum tenens billing allows a regular provider to receive Medicare Part B payment for covered services furnished by a temporary substitute during the regular provider&#8217;s absence. The regular provider pays the substitute on a per diem or similar fee-for-time basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common reasons for temporary coverage include illness, vacation, pregnancy, continuing medical education, or another period when the regular provider is unavailable. The arrangement helps patients continue receiving care without treating the substitute as the permanent provider for billing purposes. If you need broader context on how temporary coverage is structured, see our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/what-is-the-locum-tenens-staffing-model\/\"><b>locum staffing model<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> guide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Medicare, this is a specific billing framework. It does not mean a practice can automatically bill every temporary provider under another provider&#8217;s NPI. The arrangement must meet CMS requirements before the practice uses the Q6 modifier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>CMS source note:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Publication 100-04, Chapter 1, \u00a730.2.11, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/regulations-and-guidance\/guidance\/manuals\/downloads\/clm104c01.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Payment Under Fee-For-Time Compensation Arrangements (formerly referred to as Locum Tenens Arrangements)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medicare_Locum_Tenens_Billing_Rules\"><\/span><strong>Medicare Locum Tenens Billing Rules<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS sets the core <\/span><b>locum tenens billing guidelines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for Medicare Part B claims in \u00a730.2.11. The main requirements are below.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Does_a_Locum_Arrangement_Qualify\"><\/span><strong>When Does a Locum Arrangement Qualify?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A regular physician or physical therapist may submit the claim for covered services provided by a substitute when the applicable requirements are met.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For physician arrangements, CMS requires that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular physician is unavailable to provide the services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Medicare patient has arranged or seeks to receive services from the regular physician.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular physician pays the substitute on a per diem or similar fee-for-time basis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The substitute does not provide services to Medicare patients for more than 60 continuous days, subject to the applicable exception.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The services are identified with the Q6 modifier.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For group practices, CMS applies related requirements when the group submits claims in the name of the regular physician. A substitute who has reassigned Medicare payment rights to the group through an approved CMS-855R generally cannot be billed under this fee-for-time arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS also permits certain Medicare-enrolled physical therapists to use substitute physical therapists for outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, medically underserved area, or rural area.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Can_a_Locum_Provider_Be_Billed_Under_the_Arrangement\"><\/span>How Long Can a Locum Provider Be Billed Under the Arrangement?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Medicare limit is <\/span><b>60 continuous days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The count begins with the first day the substitute provides covered visit services to Medicare Part B patients of the regular provider. The period continues even on days when the substitute does not provide services or another substitute covers for the regular provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That means a practice should track the arrangement from the first covered date of service rather than counting only the days when the locum actually sees patients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS provides an exception for a physician or physical therapist called to active duty in the Armed Forces.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If coverage needs to continue beyond the applicable 60-day period, the practice should resolve the billing arrangement before continuing to submit claims under the locum framework.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whose_NPI_Goes_on_the_Claim\"><\/span><strong>Whose NPI Goes on the Claim?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under a qualifying Medicare fee-for-time arrangement, the regular physician or physical therapist may submit the claim and receive Part B payment when assignment is accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Q6 modifier identifies the service as one performed by a substitute. The substitute provider&#8217;s NPI must be kept with the record of each service and made available to the Medicare Administrative Contractor upon request.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For medical group claims, CMS also requires identification of the regular physician or physical therapist on whose behalf the services were provided. Practices should follow their current electronic claim format and Medicare Administrative Contractor instructions for the applicable provider identifiers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key point is simple: <\/span><b>Q6 does not mean the substitute&#8217;s NPI replaces the regular provider&#8217;s billing identity.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It identifies a qualifying substitute arrangement while CMS&#8217;s required records document who actually provided the service.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Records_Should_a_Practice_Keep\"><\/span><strong>What Records Should a Practice Keep?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practice should maintain a clear record of each service furnished by the substitute provider and associate that record with the substitute&#8217;s NPI.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Operationally, the file should also make it easy to verify:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular provider&#8217;s absence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The substitute provider&#8217;s identity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dates of coverage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The compensation arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Services furnished during the arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The applicable claim and Q6 reporting<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good documentation gives the billing team a clear audit trail and makes it easier to confirm that each claim met the Medicare requirements. For broader provider paperwork requirements, see our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/locum-tenens-physician-documentation-checklist\/\"><b>documentation checklist<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for locum tenens physicians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Q6_Modifier_and_When_Do_You_Use_It\"><\/span><strong>What Is the Q6 Modifier and When Do You Use It?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Q6 modifier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> identifies a service furnished by a substitute provider under a qualifying Medicare fee-for-time compensation arrangement. It is used with the procedure code on a claim when the regular physician or eligible physical therapist bills for covered services provided by the substitute. Q6 signals that the substitute performed the service while the regular provider remained the billing provider under the applicable rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS describes Q6 in Chapter 1, \u00a730.2.11 as the modifier for services furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or qualifying substitute physical therapist.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Is_Q6_Reported\"><\/span><strong>How Is Q6 Reported?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a paper CMS-1500 claim, CMS directs the billing entity to enter <\/span><b>Q6 after the procedure code in item 24D<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For electronic claims, billing teams should follow the applicable electronic claim format and payer instructions. CMS&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/data.cms.gov\/summary-statistics-on-use-and-payments\/physiciansupplier-procedure-summary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Physician\/Supplier Procedure Summary<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> organizes Medicare Part B claims data by HCPCS code and modifier, providing additional context on how Medicare claims are reported and analyzed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The modifier should only be used when the underlying arrangement meets the Medicare requirements. Adding Q6 to a claim does not make an otherwise ineligible arrangement compliant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>CMS source:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Pub. 100-04, Chapter 1, \u00a730.2.11.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Locum_Tenens_vs_Reciprocal_Billing_Q6_vs_Q5\"><\/span><strong>Locum Tenens vs. Reciprocal Billing: Q6 vs. Q5<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q6 and Q5 both involve substitute providers, but they describe different Medicare arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Modifier<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Arrangement<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Main distinction<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q6<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fee-for-time compensation<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular provider pays the substitute on a per diem or similar fee-for-time basis.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Q5<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reciprocal billing<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular provider arranges occasional reciprocal coverage with another physician.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS addresses reciprocal billing in <\/span><b>\u00a730.2.10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and fee-for-time compensation arrangements in <\/span><b>\u00a730.2.11<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not choose Q5 simply because another physician covered a shift. First determine how the coverage is structured and compensated, then apply the applicable Medicare rule.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Bill_for_Locum_Tenens_Services_A_Worked_Example\"><\/span><strong>How to Bill for Locum Tenens Services: A Worked Example<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider a family physician who will be unavailable for several weeks. A substitute physician temporarily covers the physician&#8217;s Medicare patients and receives payment on a per diem basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Confirm_the_Arrangement\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Confirm the Arrangement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular physician is unavailable, the patient expects care from that physician, and the substitute is paid on a qualifying fee-for-time basis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Track_the_Coverage_Period\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Track the Coverage Period.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The billing team records the first date the substitute provides covered Medicare services and monitors the continuous 60-day period.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Prepare_the_Claim\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Prepare the Claim.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular physician submits the applicable procedure code with the <\/span><b>Q6 modifier<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Maintain_the_Substitutes_Information\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Maintain the Substitute&#8217;s Information.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The practice keeps a record of the service and the substitute physician&#8217;s NPI as required by CMS.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_5_Recheck_Payer_Rules\"><\/span><strong>Step 5: Recheck Payer Rules.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the same service involves Medicaid or a commercial plan, the billing team verifies that payer&#8217;s locum policy instead of automatically applying Medicare&#8217;s Q6 process. Facilities working with staffing agencies can also review how the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/why-your-locum-tenens-agency-model-matters\/\"><b>agency model<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> affects credentialing, onboarding, contracts, and compliance support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, if the substitute performs an established-patient office visit reported with a CPT code, the claim would include that procedure code followed by <\/span><b>Q6<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when the Medicare arrangement qualifies. The regular physician remains the provider whose claim is submitted under the fee-for-time framework, while the substitute&#8217;s NPI remains in the supporting records.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medicaid_vs_Commercial_Payers_What_Changes\"><\/span><strong>Medicaid vs. Commercial Payers: What Changes?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicare provides a specific federal framework for qualifying locum tenens arrangements. <\/span><b>Medicaid and commercial payers may use different rules.<\/b><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Payer<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>What to check<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Medicare<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply CMS&#8217;s fee-for-time requirements, including the applicable Q6 and 60-day rules.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Medicaid<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the specific state&#8217;s Medicaid provider manual and billing policy.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Commercial<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review the payer&#8217;s contract, provider policy, and credentialing requirements.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not assume that a payer accepts Q6 simply because Medicare does.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some commercial plans may recognize a similar locum billing process. Others may require the substitute provider to be credentialed or enrolled before the claim is submitted. Medicaid requirements can also differ by state.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For facility billing teams, the safest process is to maintain a payer-specific reference for locum arrangements. Confirm the required modifier, billing NPI, credentialing status, and documentation before the first claim goes out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Billing_for_Locum_NPs_and_PAs_What_to_Check\"><\/span><strong>Billing for Locum NPs and PAs: What to Check<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not automatically apply the physician Q6 framework to every NP or PA coverage arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS \u00a730.2.11 expressly addresses substitute physicians and qualifying substitute physical therapists. NP and PA arrangements can involve different Medicare enrollment, billing, supervision, and payer requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before billing services provided by a locum NP or PA, confirm:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who is legally providing the service<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How the practitioner is enrolled with the payer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which NPI must appear in the applicable claim fields<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the payer permits the proposed temporary coverage arrangement<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether any supervision or incident-to requirements apply<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether state licensure requirements are satisfied<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial and Medicaid rules should be checked separately because payer requirements can differ from Medicare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Locum_Tenens_Billing_Mistakes\"><\/span><strong>Common Locum Tenens Billing Mistakes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even when a locum tenens arrangement meets Medicare requirements, billing errors can still cause claim problems. Watch for these common mistakes before submitting claims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Using_Q6_Without_a_Qualifying_Arrangement\"><\/span><strong>Using Q6 Without a Qualifying Arrangement<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q6 does not automatically apply whenever another provider covers a shift. Confirm the absence, patient relationship, compensation structure, and other Medicare requirements first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Losing_Track_of_the_60-Day_Period\"><\/span><strong>Losing Track of the 60-Day Period<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not count only days when the substitute sees patients. The continuous period begins with the first covered visit service and continues under CMS&#8217;s rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assuming_All_Payers_Follow_Medicare\"><\/span><strong>Assuming All Payers Follow Medicare<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Medicare-compliant claim can still fail under a commercial payer&#8217;s contract or a state Medicaid program. Verify payer-specific requirements before submission.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Failing_to_Keep_the_Substitutes_NPI_Record\"><\/span><strong>Failing to Keep the Substitute&#8217;s NPI Record<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMS requires a record of each service provided by the substitute along with the substitute&#8217;s NPI. Make sure the billing workflow captures this information from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treating_Q5_and_Q6_as_Interchangeable\"><\/span><strong>Treating Q5 and Q6 as Interchangeable<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q5 addresses reciprocal billing. Q6 addresses fee-for-time compensation arrangements. Determine which arrangement applies before selecting the modifier.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Locum_Tenens_Billing_Checklist_for_Facilities\"><\/span><strong>Locum Tenens Billing Checklist for Facilities<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before submitting claims for a locum provider, confirm:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular provider is unavailable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The patient has arranged or seeks services from the regular provider.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The substitute&#8217;s compensation meets the applicable Medicare requirements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The arrangement falls within the applicable 60-day period.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Q6 is used only when the Medicare fee-for-time requirements are met.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The substitute provider&#8217;s NPI is recorded with each applicable service.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The regular provider or group is identified correctly on the claim.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicaid requirements have been checked separately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial payer requirements have been checked separately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-checked=\"false\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The billing team has documented the coverage dates and arrangement.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Takeaway\"><\/span><strong>Final Takeaway<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accurate locum tenens billing starts with identifying the type of coverage arrangement before submitting the claim. For qualifying Medicare fee-for-time arrangements, the regular provider can bill for the substitute&#8217;s services and use Q6, while the practice maintains the required substitute-provider records.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 60-day limit, NPI documentation, modifier selection, and payer-specific requirements all need active tracking. Facilities should confirm the applicable Medicare, Medicaid, or commercial rules with their billing team, payer, and compliance staff before submitting claims.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need help coordinating temporary provider coverage? Imperial Locum supports facilities with locum staffing, credentialing, and related paperwork so your team can focus on maintaining coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Note: This article provides general information, not billing, coding, compliance, or legal advice. Confirm the requirements that apply to your specific arrangement with the relevant payer and your facility&#8217;s compliance team.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_a_Locum_Provider_Bill_Medicare_Under_Their_Own_NPI\"><\/span><strong>Can a Locum Provider Bill Medicare Under Their Own NPI?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under a qualifying Medicare fee-for-time arrangement, the regular physician or eligible physical therapist submits the claim. The substitute\u2019s NPI must still be recorded in the required documentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_After_the_60-Day_Limit\"><\/span><strong>What Happens After the 60-Day Limit?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fee-for-time arrangement generally cannot continue beyond the applicable 60-day limit. If coverage must continue, establish the appropriate billing and enrollment arrangement before submitting more claims.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Q6_the_Same_as_Q5\"><\/span><strong>Is Q6 the Same as Q5?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Q6 applies to qualifying fee-for-time compensation arrangements. Q5 applies to Medicare reciprocal billing arrangements under \u00a730.2.10.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Commercial_Payers_Use_Q6\"><\/span><strong>Do Commercial Payers Use Q6?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not necessarily. Commercial payer rules can differ from Medicare requirements. Check the payer\u2019s policy, contract terms, and credentialing requirements before using Q6.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_Medicaid_Follow_Medicares_Locum_Tenens_Rules\"><\/span><strong>Does Medicaid Follow Medicare\u2019s Locum Tenens Rules?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not automatically. State Medicaid programs can have their own billing requirements. Check the applicable state Medicaid policy before applying Medicare locum tenens rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Records_Should_I_Keep_for_Locum_Tenens_Billing\"><\/span><strong>What Records Should I Keep for Locum Tenens Billing?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep the written agreement, coverage dates, reason for the absence, compensation terms, and provider information. Follow applicable payer and facility requirements for record retention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_an_Excluded_Provider_Work_as_a_Locum_Tenens\"><\/span><strong>Can an Excluded Provider Work as a Locum Tenens?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. An excluded provider cannot provide services billed to Medicare or Medicaid. Screen substitute providers against applicable exclusion and preclusion lists before services begin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Existing_Prior_Authorizations_Apply_to_Locum_Tenens_Services\"><\/span><strong>Do Existing Prior Authorizations Apply to Locum Tenens Services?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on the payer. Some payers may honor an existing authorization, while others may require notification or a new authorization for the substitute provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Nurse_Practitioners_and_PAs_Provide_Locum_Tenens_Coverage\"><\/span><strong>Can Nurse Practitioners and PAs Provide Locum Tenens Coverage?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can provide temporary coverage, but their billing requirements may differ from the physician Q6 framework. Confirm Medicare and payer-specific requirements before submitting claims.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For qualifying Medicare locum tenens arrangements, the regular physician or eligible physical therapist can bill for covered services provided by [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1490,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-locum-tenens"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1489"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1489\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1491,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1489\/revisions\/1491"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1489"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1489"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/imperiallocum.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}