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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Modifier AQ is 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 the HPSA bonus payment.

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