QWHCPCS Level II
Clia waived test
- Usage notes
- Append to a laboratory test code to identify it as a CLIA-waived test performed under the facility's CLIA certificate of waiver.
- Common mistakes
- Appending QW to a test that isn't actually on CMS's CLIA-waived test list, which triggers a denial since not every lab code qualifies for QW.
Related modifiers
Q0Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that isQ1Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in anQ2Demonstration procedure/serviceQ3Live kidney donor surgery and related servicesQ4Service for ordering/referring physician qualifies as a service exemptionQ5Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substituteQ6Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substituteQ7One class a finding
Frequently asked questions
What does modifier QW mean?
Clia waived test
When do I use modifier QW?
Append to a laboratory test code to identify it as a CLIA-waived test performed under the facility's CLIA certificate of waiver.
What's a common mistake with modifier QW?
Appending QW to a test that isn't actually on CMS's CLIA-waived test list, which triggers a denial since not every lab code qualifies for QW.
HCPCS modifier data from CMS. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association — CPT modifier descriptions are not included on this site. Always verify codes with authoritative sources before making billing decisions.