To communicate that a physician is providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (HPSA), the coder should append modifier:

Question

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Modifier AQ is specifically used to indicate that a service was provided in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) that is not automatically identified by Medicare through the processing of claims. This modifier is necessary for the physician to receive additional payment for services rendered in these areas.

To Communicate That a Physician Is Providing a Service in an Unlisted