Physician Reimbursement

Service related to terminal illness

• Use the GV modifier in field 24D on the HCFA-1500 claim form.

Service unrelated to terminal illness

• Use the GW modifier in field D on the HCFA-1500 claim form.

Caution: Medicare Part B carriers will deny claims on hospice patients when neither modifier is used.

Detailed information
Online Medicare Claims Processing Manual
100-4, Chapter 11 (Processing Hospice Claims)
Sections 40.1.3, 40.2 and 50.

Information provided courtesy of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Additional information about physician billing can be found through their website.