How To Use HCPCS Code A0170

HCPCS code A0170 describes transportation ancillary services related to parking fees and tolls. This code is used to identify the costs associated with parking and toll expenses incurred during the transportation of patients to and from healthcare facilities. In this article, we will explore the details of HCPCS code A0170, including its official description, procedure, when to use it, billing guidelines, historical information, Medicare and insurance coverage, and provide examples of when this code should be billed.

1. What is HCPCS A0170?

HCPCS code A0170 is used to identify transportation ancillary services specifically related to parking fees and tolls. It is important to note that this code is not payable by Medicare, as indicated by the coverage code I. The code was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1982, and has no maintenance actions associated with it, as indicated by the action code N.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0170 is “Transport parking fees/tolls.” This short description accurately summarizes the purpose of this code, which is to capture the costs incurred for parking fees and tolls during patient transportation.

3. Procedure

1. When using HCPCS code A0170, the healthcare provider should document the specific parking fees and tolls associated with the transportation of the patient.
2. The provider should ensure that the documentation includes the date, time, and location of the transportation, as well as the amount of the parking fees and tolls.
3. It is important to accurately record these expenses to ensure proper billing and reimbursement.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0170

HCPCS code A0170 should be used when there are parking fees and tolls directly related to the transportation of a patient to or from a healthcare facility. This code is applicable in situations where the provider incurs these expenses on behalf of the patient.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0170, healthcare providers need to document the specific parking fees and tolls incurred during patient transportation. This documentation should include the date, time, location, and amount of the expenses. It is important to ensure that the documentation is accurate and supports the billed amount.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0170 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1982. Since its addition, there have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N. This means that the code has remained unchanged since its inception.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code A0170 is not payable by Medicare, as indicated by the coverage code I. This means that Medicare does not provide reimbursement for parking fees and tolls associated with patient transportation. It is important to check with other insurance providers to determine their coverage policies for these expenses.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code A0170 should be billed:

1. A patient is transported by an ambulance to a hospital for a scheduled outpatient procedure. The ambulance incurs parking fees and tolls during the transportation.
2. A healthcare facility arranges transportation for a patient to attend a follow-up appointment. The transportation service provider incurs parking fees and tolls during the transportation.
3. A patient is transported by a non-emergency medical transport service to a rehabilitation center. The transport service incurs parking fees and tolls during the transportation.
4. A healthcare provider arranges transportation for a patient to receive specialized treatment at a different facility. The transportation service incurs parking fees and tolls during the transportation.
5. A patient is transported by a family member to a healthcare facility. The family member incurs parking fees and tolls during the transportation, which are reimbursed by the patient’s insurance.