How To Use HCPCS Code A0396

HCPCS code A0396 describes a specialized service disposable supply used for esophageal intubation in the context of Advanced Life Support (ALS) procedures. This code is not payable by Medicare and has no maintenance actions. It was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1995, with an effective date of January 01, 2014. HCPCS code A0396 falls under the Ambulance type of service code and has an anesthesia base unit quantity of 0.

1. What is HCPCS A0396?

HCPCS code A0396 is used to identify the specialized service disposable supplies required for esophageal intubation during Advanced Life Support (ALS) procedures. This code specifically refers to the supplies used for intubating the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. It is important to note that this code is not applicable for routine intubation procedures or for emergency situations where immediate medical attention is required. Instead, it is used for patients who require esophageal intubation as part of their ALS treatment.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0396 is “ALS specialized service disposable supplies; esophageal intubation.” The short description for this code is “ALS esophageal intub suppls.”

3. Procedure

1. Prepare the necessary equipment and supplies for esophageal intubation.
2. Ensure that the patient is in a suitable position for the procedure.
3. Administer appropriate anesthesia or sedation, if necessary.
4. Insert the esophageal intubation device carefully into the patient’s esophagus.
5. Confirm the correct placement of the device using appropriate methods, such as auscultation or capnography.
6. Secure the device in place to prevent accidental dislodgement.
7. Monitor the patient’s condition and vital signs throughout the procedure.
8. Document the details of the esophageal intubation procedure in the patient’s medical record.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0396

HCPCS code A0396 should be used when providing specialized service disposable supplies for esophageal intubation during Advanced Life Support (ALS) procedures. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the criteria for ALS treatment and that esophageal intubation is medically necessary for their condition. This code should not be used for routine intubation procedures or for emergency situations where immediate medical attention is required.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0396, healthcare providers need to document the details of the esophageal intubation procedure, including the specific supplies used and the medical necessity for the procedure. It is important to include relevant information in the patient’s medical record, such as the patient’s condition, any complications encountered during the procedure, and the patient’s response to the treatment. Proper documentation is essential for accurate billing and reimbursement.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0396 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1995. It has an effective date of January 01, 2014. 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 remained unchanged since its addition to the HCPCS.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code A0396 is not payable by Medicare, as indicated by the coverage code I, which means it is not reimbursable by Medicare. The pricing indicator code for this code is 00, which indicates that the service is not separately priced by Part B. This means that the service is either not covered, bundled with other services, or used exclusively by Part A. The multiple pricing indicator code is 9, which means that the code 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 A0396 should be billed:

1. A patient with a severe respiratory condition requires esophageal intubation as part of their ALS treatment.
2. An ALS ambulance is dispatched to a scene where a patient is experiencing a medical emergency that necessitates esophageal intubation.
3. A patient with a history of difficult airway management requires esophageal intubation during an ALS procedure.
4. An ALS team is called to assist with the intubation of a critically ill patient in the emergency department.
5. A patient with a compromised airway requires esophageal intubation for airway management during transport to a specialized facility.