HCPCS Level II modifier
Modifier QJ
Modifier QJ is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b).
Source: CMS HCPCS Level II, October 2026 file dated September 23, 2026. Publisher page
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- Modifier
- QJ
- Type
- HCPCS Level II modifier, maintained by CMS
- CMS description
- Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
- Claim form
- CMS-1500 item 24D, up to four modifiers per line. 837P SV101-3 to SV101-6.
- Guidance
- CMS HCPCS quarterly update
Related modifiers
- QKMedical direction of two, three, or four concurrent anesthesia procedures involving qualified individuals
- QHOxygen conserving device is being used with an oxygen delivery system
- QLPatient pronounced dead after ambulance called
- QGPrescribed amount of stationary oxygen while at rest is greater than 4 liters per minute (LPM)
- QMAmbulance service provided under arrangement by a provider of services
- QFPrescribed amount of stationary oxygen while at rest exceeds 4 liters per minute (LPM) and portable oxygen is prescribed
- QNAmbulance service furnished directly by a provider of services
- QEPrescribed amount of stationary oxygen while at rest is less than 1 liter per minute (LPM)
Related pages
Questions
What does modifier QJ mean?
Modifier QJ is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b).
Is modifier QJ a CPT or a HCPCS modifier?
QJ 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 QJ 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.