How To Use HCPCS Code A0190

HCPCS code A0190 describes non-emergency transportation services that include the provision of meals to the recipient. This code is used to identify the specific service of providing transportation and meals to individuals who require assistance in reaching their healthcare appointments or facilities. It is important to note that this code is not applicable for emergency situations where immediate medical attention is required. Instead, it is used for patients who do not have an urgent medical condition but still need support in accessing healthcare services.

1. What is HCPCS A0190?

HCPCS code A0190 is a specific code used to identify non-emergency transportation services that include the provision of meals to the recipient. This code is utilized to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement for the transportation and meal services provided to patients who require assistance in reaching their healthcare appointments or facilities.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0190 is “Non-emergency transportation: ancillary: meals-recipient.” The short description for this code is “Noner transport meals recip.” These descriptions accurately represent the nature of the service provided, which involves non-emergency transportation and the provision of meals to the recipient.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider arranges for non-emergency transportation services for the patient.
2. The transportation service ensures that the patient is safely transported to their healthcare appointment or facility.
3. During the transportation, the provider also ensures that meals are provided to the recipient.
4. The transportation service may utilize various modes of transportation, such as mini-buses, mountain area transports, or other transportation systems, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
5. The provider ensures that the patient’s comfort and safety are prioritized throughout the transportation process.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0190

HCPCS code A0190 should be used in situations where non-emergency transportation services are required, and the provision of meals to the recipient is included. This code is applicable for patients who need assistance in reaching their healthcare appointments or facilities but do not have an urgent medical condition that requires emergency transportation. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the eligibility criteria for non-emergency transportation services and that the provision of meals is necessary for their specific situation.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0190, healthcare providers need to ensure that the following documentation requirements are met:

• Documentation of the patient’s medical condition and the necessity of non-emergency transportation services.
• Documentation of the specific meals provided to the recipient during the transportation.
• Documentation of the transportation service utilized, such as the type of vehicle or transportation system.
• Documentation of the date, time, and duration of the transportation service.

Providers should also follow the appropriate billing guidelines and submit the necessary claims to ensure proper reimbursement for the services provided.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0190 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1984. Since its addition, there have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code. This code has an HCPCS pricing indicator code of 00, which indicates that the service is not separately priced by Part B. Additionally, the multiple pricing indicator code for this code is 9, which means it is not applicable as HCPCS is not priced separately by Part B or the value is not established.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code A0190 is classified as not payable by Medicare, as indicated by the coverage code I. This means that Medicare does not provide reimbursement for this specific code. It is important for healthcare providers to verify coverage and reimbursement policies with other insurance providers to determine if they provide coverage for non-emergency transportation services with meal provision.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of situations where HCPCS code A0190 should be billed:

1. A patient requires non-emergency transportation to a dialysis center and meals are provided during the transportation.
2. An elderly individual needs assistance in reaching a medical appointment at a specialized clinic and requires meals during the transportation.
3. A patient with limited mobility needs transportation to a rehabilitation facility and meals are provided to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
4. A disabled individual requires transportation to a day program and meals are included as part of the service.
5. A patient undergoing outpatient treatment needs transportation to a cancer center and meals are provided during the transportation.