MedicaidBilling CodesHigh impact
Supplement 24-17: Billing and Coding Discarded or No Discarded Drugs and Biologicals with a JW or JZ Modifier
New Mexico Medicaid·NM·Claims & Billing
Effective date
Jul 1, 2023
We identified it
Jun 21, 2026
Summary
New Mexico Medicaid now requires providers to use JW modifier when reporting discarded drug amounts from single-dose containers, or JZ modifier when no drug is wasted. This applies to all single-dose drugs and biologicals billed with HCPCS or CPT codes, requiring separate claim lines for administered and discarded portions.
Action Required
Immediately for New Mexico Medicaid claims: Billing team must update claim submission process to include JW modifier on separate claim line for any discarded drug amounts from single-dose containers, or JZ modifier when no waste occurs. Update CMS-1500 forms to include NDC codes in box 24A with N4 qualifier and appropriate modifiers in box 24D. Update UB-04 forms to include NDC in box 43 and JW/JZ modifiers in box 44 after procedure codes. Train staff to document administered and discarded amounts in medical records. Claims missing required modifiers may be denied.