MLN Matters Number: MM12841 – New Waived Tests

There are 8 newly added waived complexity tests. These new tests must have the modifier QW to be recognized as a waived test.

The HCPCS code, effective date, and description for these latest tests are:

• 87651QW, November 09, 2020, Mesa Biotech Accula {Accula Strep A Test}
• G0475QW, February 07, 2022, Abbott Diagnostics Determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo {Fingerstick whole blood}
• 80305QW, March 01, 2022, Noble Medical Inc. Noble Dip Card/Drug Test Cup
• 82465QW, March 25, 2022, PTS Panels Cholesterol Test Strips, Polymer Technology Systems Inc. CardioChek Plus Test System {PTS Panels Cholesterol Test Strips}
• 82010QW, 82962, April 07, 2022, Apex Biotechnology Corp. MTM301 Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System
• 80305QW, May 09, 2022, T&D Diagnostics Canada Pvt. Ltd. Sienna Multi-Drug Test (Cup and Dip Card)
• 80305QW, June 01, 2022, NexScreen Gen2 Multi-Drug Urine Test Cup
• 80305QW, June 01, 2022, NexScreen Gen2 Multi-Drug Urine Test Dip Card

The tests on the first page of the list attached to CR 12841 (HCPCS codes 81002, 81025, 82270, 82272, 82962, 83026, 84830, 85013, and 85651) don’t require a QW modifier to be recognized as a waived test.

Source: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mm12841-new-waived-tests.pdf