JW Modifier Policy

WPS GHA does not currently require providers to use the JW modifier, until January 1, 2017. Providers have an option: they can bill separately, identifying the discarded portion with the JW modifier or bill both the administered and discarded portions combined without the JW modifier.

This middleware solution automates the Single Dose Vial Waste as a JW Modifier and exports it to your CMS Claim Form. The regulation and compliance monitors are taking affect on January 1st, 2017.
Deadline is January 1st, 2017

Effective January 1, 2017, claims for discarded drugs or biologicals amount not administered to any patient shall be submitted using the JW modifier. Also, effective January 1, 2017, providers must document the discarded drugs and biologicals in the patient’s medical record.
Billing Example Using JW Modifier

A single use vial that is labeled to contain 100 units of a drug has 95 units administered to the patient and 5 units discarded. The 95 unit dose is billed on one line, while the discarded 5 units may be billed on another line with the JW modifier. Both line items would be processed for payment.
Billing Example Without Use of JW Modifier

One billing unit for a drug is equal to 10mg of the drug in a single use vial. A 7mg dose is administered to a patient while 3mg of the remaining drug is discarded. The 7mg dose is billed using one billing unit that represents 10mg on a single line item. The single line item of 1 unit would be processed for payment of the total 10mg of drug administered and discarded. Billing another unit on a separate line item with the JW modifier for the discarded 3 mg of drug is not permitted because it would result in overpayment. Therefore, when the billing unit is equal to or greater than the total actual dose and the amount discarded, the use of the JW modifier is not permitted.