Mind your modifiers: Modifier JW – Revised & revisited

Why This Topic Matters

The update affects how providers track and report drug wastage under Medicare, and contractor-specific requirements can vary by MAC. Readers who bill for drug administration need to know where local policy and documentation expectations may differ from prior guidance.

Article Sections

1. CMS revises discarded drug policy

   Overview of the Medicare policy update and the shift toward contractor-level discretion. The section introduces the timing of the change and the broader context for the revision.

2. MAC-level responses and examples

   Examples of how several Medicare contractors responded to the policy change. The section highlights that contractor practices may differ across jurisdictions.

3. Documentation expectations

   General discussion of recordkeeping expectations tied to discarded drugs and biologicals. The section emphasizes that documentation requirements may apply even when a particular modifier is not required.

4. Official resources

   A list of referenced CMS and contractor resources related to the policy update. These materials provide supporting context for the article's discussion.