HCPCS Level II modifier
Modifier SQ
Modifier SQ is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Item ordered by home health.
Source: CMS HCPCS Level II, October 2026 file dated September 23, 2026. Publisher page
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- Modifier
- SQ
- Type
- HCPCS Level II modifier, maintained by CMS
- CMS description
- Item ordered by home health
- 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
- SSHome infusion services provided in the infusion suite of the IV therapy provider
- SNThird surgical opinion
- STRelated to trauma or injury
- SMSecond surgical opinion
- SUProcedure performed in physician's office (to denote use of facility and equipment)
- SLState supplied vaccine
- SVPharmaceuticals delivered to patient's home but not utilized
- SKMember of high risk population (use only with codes for immunization)
Related pages
Questions
What does modifier SQ mean?
Modifier SQ is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Item ordered by home health.
Is modifier SQ a CPT or a HCPCS modifier?
SQ 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 SQ 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.