Modifier QW Required With Drug Screen Procedure Codes

Providers are reminded that, effective September 1, 2010, HCPCS procedure codes G0430 (drug screen, qualitative; multiple drug classes other than chromatographic method, each procedure) and G0431 (drug screen, qualitative; single drug [eg., immunoassay, enzyme assay], each drug class) are considered to be CLIA-waived when performed with a CLIA-waived test kit. These codes must be billed with modifier QW (CLIA-waived test) to signify that the CLIA-waived test kit was used. Modifier QW certifies that the test was performed by a laboratory with a current and appropriate CLIA certificate. Source: General Medicine | October 2010 | Bulletin 436