HCPCS Level II modifier
Modifier GW
Modifier GW is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition.
Source: CMS HCPCS Level II, October 2026 file dated September 23, 2026. Publisher page
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- Modifier
- GW
- Type
- HCPCS Level II modifier, maintained by CMS
- CMS description
- Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
- Claim form
- CMS-1500 item 24D, up to four modifiers per line. 837P SV101-3 to SV101-6.
- Guidance
- CMS HCPCS quarterly update
Hospice
Related modifiers
- GVAttending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
- GXNotice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
- GYItem or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
- GUWaiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, routine notice
- GZItem or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
- GTVia interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
- H9Court-ordered
- GSDosage of erythropoietin stimulating agent has been reduced and maintained in response to hematocrit or hemoglobin level
Related pages
Questions
What does modifier GW mean?
Modifier GW is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition.
Is modifier GW a CPT or a HCPCS modifier?
GW is a HCPCS Level II modifier from the CMS quarterly HCPCS file. Two-digit numeric modifiers, such as 25 or 59, are CPT modifiers.
Where does modifier GW go on a claim?
On the CMS-1500 it goes in item 24D next to the procedure code. Each line holds up to four modifiers. On an 837P it goes in SV101-3 to SV101-6.
What denial comes back when a modifier is wrong?
A missing or mismatched modifier often comes back as CARC 4. A modifier that was not valid on the date of service comes back as CARC 182. A bundling edit the modifier should have bypassed comes back as CARC 97 or 236.