CMS delays new claims coding, documentation policy for unused drugs

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today delayed to Jan. 1 a new policy requiring health care providers to document in the patient’s record and on Medicare claims, through the use of the ”JW modifier,” the amount discarded when Part B drugs or biological products contained in single-use vials or single-use packages are not fully administered to the patient. AHA had urged the agency to delay the July 1 start date by at least six months, citing the need for extensive upgrades to electronic health record systems and provider training and patient safety concerns with recording two amounts for a single administration of medication.