Hospice Modifiers GV and GW

Here is guidance on when and how to use the GV and GW medical coding modifiers in hospice work for attending physicians.

Question: When and how do we use the GV and GW modifiers in hospice work?

Answer: The GV modifier is placed in field 24D on the CMS 1500 claim form. This is the modifier used when a physician is the attending physician for a hospice patient and not associated with the hospice in any way (employed, contracted, or volunteering), but who is providing a service that is related to the diagnosis for which a patient has been enrolled into hospice.

The GW modifier, on the other hand, is used when a physician is the attending physician for a hospice patient and not associated with the hospice in any way (employed, contracted, or volunteering) who is providing a services that is not related to the diagnosis for which a patient has been enrolled onto hospice.

My source for this information was NHPCO NewsBriefs, Volume 6, Issue 41 (October 14, 2004); members are able to access back issues on the NHPCO Web site.

Thanks to Daniel Maison, MD, of Treasure Coast Hospice for his help with this question.