How To Use HCPCS Code A0390

HCPCS code A0390 describes the advanced life support mileage for ambulance services. This code is used to identify the transportation of patients who require advanced life support while being transported to a healthcare facility. In this article, we will explore the details of HCPCS code A0390, 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 A0390?

HCPCS code A0390 is used to identify the mileage associated with advanced life support ambulance services. It specifically refers to the transportation of patients who require advanced life support measures during the journey to a healthcare facility. This code is not applicable for non-emergency transportation or situations where basic life support is sufficient.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0390 is “ALS mileage (per mile)”. The short description for this code is “Advanced life support mileage”. This accurately represents the purpose of the code, which is to capture the mileage associated with advanced life support ambulance services.

3. Procedure

1. When providing ambulance services, ensure that the patient requires advanced life support measures during transportation.
2. Record the mileage covered during the transportation.
3. Calculate the total mileage and document it for billing purposes.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0390

HCPCS code A0390 should be used when transporting patients who require advanced life support measures during the journey to a healthcare facility. This includes patients who are in critical condition and need specialized medical interventions during transportation. It is important to accurately assess the patient’s condition and ensure that advanced life support is necessary before using this code.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0390, healthcare providers need to document the following:

• Proof of medical necessity for advanced life support transportation
• Date and time of the transportation
• Starting and ending locations
• Total mileage covered
• Any additional relevant information, such as patient condition or interventions performed during transportation

It is crucial to ensure accurate and detailed documentation to support the use of this code and facilitate proper reimbursement.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0390 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1995. 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 suggests that the code has remained unchanged since its inception.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code A0390 is not payable by Medicare, as indicated by the coverage code I, which means it is not covered by Medicare. The pricing indicator code for this code is 00, which means the service is not separately priced by Part B. This implies that the reimbursement for this service is bundled or not covered by Medicare. The multiple pricing indicator code is 9, which indicates that the code is not applicable as HCPCS is not priced separately by Part B.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of scenarios where HCPCS code A0390 should be billed:

1. A patient in critical condition requires advanced life support during transportation from a rural area to a specialized hospital.
2. An individual with a severe cardiac condition needs advanced life support during transportation to a cardiac care center.
3. A trauma patient requires advanced life support measures during transportation to a trauma center.
4. A critically ill patient needs advanced life support during transportation from a nursing home to a tertiary care hospital.
5. An individual with a life-threatening respiratory condition requires advanced life support during transportation to a respiratory care facility.