Internal Medicine Coding Alert

Question: Should I report modifier -QW when the internist performs a waived lab test, such as strep screens and accuchecks?

Colorado Subscriber
 
Answer: Yes, when reporting a waived test, you should report the procedure code appended with modifier  -QW (CLIA waived test). The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) group laboratory tests into different categories. When CLIA grants a test-waived status, a physician may perform the test without a higher-level certification.
 
Modifier -QW informs the payer that the test was done using an instrument that meets the CLIA-waived status. You should also make sure to put your CLIA number on the claim form.