AHCCCS Update on FQ Modifier
Date: 06/27/23
AHCCCS UPDATE:
MODIFIER FQ (AUDIO ONLY) TELEHEALTH CHANGE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023
Dear AzCH-Complete Care Plan (AzCH-CCP) and Care1st Providers and Staff:
During the federally declared Public Health Emergency (PHE) AHCCCS sought and received approval for a waiver to allow the use of audio only delivery of the service codes identified below.
When the PHE ended on May 11, 2023, the 2023 CPT guidelines became effective, which state these services must be delivered face-to-face. As a result, the audio only modifier FQ will no longer be valid for Evaluation and Management codes.
You may continue to bill modifier GT (interactive audio and video telecommunication systems) for those services performed via synchronous telehealth, i.e., remote exchange of patient information through direct, real-time interaction between a physician and a patient.
AHCCCS has updated its system to reflect modifier FQ may no longer be billed with the evaluation and management codes listed below for dates of service July 1, 2023, and after.
- 99202 – 99205
- 99211 – 99215
- 99288
- 99358-99359
- 99417
- 99497-99498
For additional information, review the AHCCCS approved telehealth spreadsheet located on the AHCCCS Medical Coding Resources page under Reference Extracts
AzCH providers and staff:
If you have questions, please contact your AzCH Provider Engagement Specialist. If you need your assigned Provider Engagement Specialist’s contact information, please email us at AzCHProviderEngagement@azcompletehealth.com
Care1st providers and staff:
If you have questions, please call Network Management at 1-866-560-4042 (Options in order: 5, 7) or email SM_AZ_PNO@care1staz.com.