Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Does Medicare still require modifier Q0 on PET claims for cervical cancer? Washington Subscriber Answer: If the claim meets certain requirements, you don't need to append modifier Q0 (Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study), according to MLN Matters article MM6753. Effective for dates of service on or after Nov. 10, 2009, Medicare has an updated national coverage determination (NCD) for FDG PET imaging for cervical cancer. Medicare has ended the coverage with evidence development (CED) requirements for initial staging for initial treatment. Medicare will cover one FDG PET for cervical cancer. That one exam must meet specific requirements: • The exam must be for staging (not initial diagnosis). • The patient must have biopsy proven cervical cancer. • The treating physician must need the study to determine the tumor's exact location, extent, or both for the following therapeutic [...]