Association for the Advancement of Wound Care

Notice of Change for Use of JW Modifier for Discarded Drugs/Biologicals 2010

Change Request (CR) 7095 instructs that each Medicare contractor:

  • Has the individual discretion to determine whether the JW modifier is required for any claims with discarded drugs / biologicals
    JW – DRUG AMOUNT DISCARDED/NOT ADMINISTERED TO ANY PATIENT

CURRENT STATUS OF DME-MACs

NHIC Corp. DME-MAC A September 16, 2010

Modifier JW Use:
For NHIC, Corp. DME MAC A claims, the JW modifier is not required for discarded drugs
and biologicals.

Nat. Gov. Services DME-MAC B October 5, 2010

Modifier JW Use:
National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B DME MAC, does not require use of the
JW modifier for discarded drugs and biologicals.

CIGNA Gov. Services DME-MAC C September 16, 2010

Modifier JW Use:
For CIGNA Government Services Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative
Contractor (DME MAC) claims, the JW modifier is not required for discarded drugs and
biologicals.

Noridian DME-MAC D August 26, 2010

No change – Aug newsletter – when billing Medicare for all drugs except those provided
under the Competitive Acquisition Program for Part B drugs and biologicals, use the modifier
JW to identify unused drugs or biologicals from single use vials or single use packages that
are appropriately discarded. This modifier, billed on a separate line, will provide payment for
the discarded drug or biological.