Advanced Search

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Report Drug Waste with JW modifier

Published on Fri Mar 12, 2010

Question: For a recent, non-cosmetic procedure we injected 32 units of Botox and wasted 68 of a 100 unit vial. Can we report the wasted units of Botox? Vermont Subscriber Answer: If this is a Medicare patient, you probably can bill for the waste. Bill the wasted units on a second line, with modifier JW (Drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient). Check with your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to make sure it is processing drug waste this way, because each MAC has its own policies and procedures. If your patient is covered by private insurance, check with the payer on its drug waste policy.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Otolaryngology Coding Alert

View All