How To Use HCPCS Code A0380

HCPCS code A0380 describes the basic life support mileage. This code is used to identify the mileage expenses incurred during the transportation of a patient in a basic life support ambulance. It is important for medical coders to understand the specific usage and guidelines associated with this code in order to accurately document and bill for the services provided.

1. What is HCPCS A0380?

HCPCS code A0380 is used to identify the mileage expenses associated with basic life support ambulance transportation. This code is specifically used for non-emergency situations where patients require transportation to healthcare appointments or facilities but do not have an urgent medical condition that requires immediate attention.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0380 is “Bls mileage (per mile)”. The short description for this code is “Basic life support mileage”.

3. Procedure

1. The provider should accurately document the total mileage covered during the transportation of the patient in a basic life support ambulance.
2. The mileage should be calculated based on the distance traveled, typically measured in miles.
3. The provider should ensure that the documentation includes the start and end locations of the transportation, as well as any additional stops made during the journey.
4. The mileage expenses should be calculated per mile and recorded accordingly.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0380

HCPCS code A0380 should be used in situations where a patient requires transportation in a basic life support ambulance for non-emergency purposes. 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.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0380, healthcare providers need to ensure that the following documentation requirements are met:

• Accurate documentation of the total mileage covered during the transportation.
• Start and end locations of the transportation, as well as any additional stops made.
• Calculation of mileage expenses per mile.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0380 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1995. 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 A0380 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 A0380 should be billed:

1. A patient requires transportation in a basic life support ambulance for a routine medical appointment.
2. A patient needs to be transported from a nursing home to a hospital for a scheduled procedure.
3. A patient requires transportation to a rehabilitation facility after being discharged from the hospital.
4. A patient needs transportation to a specialized clinic for ongoing treatment.
5. A patient requires transportation to a diagnostic imaging center for a scheduled test.