How To Use HCPCS Code A0140

HCPCS code A0140 describes non-emergency transportation and air travel services, whether it be private or commercial, within or between states. This code is used to identify the provision of transportation for patients who do not require immediate medical attention but need assistance in reaching their healthcare appointments or facilities.

1. What is HCPCS A0140?

HCPCS code A0140 is used to identify non-emergency transportation and air travel services. It specifically pertains to transportation services provided by air, whether it is through private or commercial means. This code is not applicable for emergency situations where immediate medical attention is required. Instead, it is used for patients who need assistance in reaching their healthcare appointments or facilities but do not have an urgent medical condition.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0140 is “Non-emergency transportation and air travel (private or commercial) intra or inter state.” The short description for this code is “Nonemergency transport air.”

3. Procedure

1. Patients who require non-emergency transportation by air are scheduled for the service.
2. The transportation provider arranges for the necessary aircraft and crew.
3. The patient is transported from one location to another, either within the same state or between states.
4. During the transportation, the patient’s comfort and safety are ensured.
5. Upon arrival at the destination, the patient is safely transferred to the designated healthcare facility or appointment.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0140

HCPCS code A0140 should be used when a patient requires non-emergency transportation services by air. This code is applicable for patients who do not have an urgent medical condition but need assistance in reaching their healthcare appointments or facilities. It is important to note that this code is not used for emergency situations where immediate medical attention is required.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0140, healthcare providers need to ensure that the following documentation requirements are met:

• Documentation of the patient’s medical condition and the need for non-emergency transportation services
• Documentation of the transportation provider’s information, including their name, address, and contact details
• Documentation of the date and time of the transportation service
• Documentation of the patient’s destination, whether it is a healthcare facility or appointment
• Any additional documentation required by the payer or insurer

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0140 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1985. It has an effective date of September 10, 1996. There have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code A0140 is not payable by Medicare, as indicated by the coverage code I, which means it is not payable by Medicare. The pricing indicator code for this code is 00, which means the service is not separately priced by Part B. This could be due to the service not being covered, bundled, or used by Part A only. The multiple pricing indicator code is 9, which means it is not applicable as HCPCS is not priced separately by Part B or the value is not established.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code A0140 should be billed:

1. A patient requires non-emergency transportation by air from their home to a specialized healthcare facility for a routine medical appointment.
2. A patient needs to travel by air from one state to another for a scheduled medical procedure that is not considered an emergency.
3. A patient requires transportation by air to a rehabilitation center after being discharged from a hospital.
4. A patient needs to be transported by air from a rural area to a metropolitan area for specialized medical treatment.
5. A patient requires non-emergency transportation by air to attend a medical conference or seminar.