How To Use HCPCS Code A0424

HCPCS code A0424 describes the provision of an extra ambulance attendant, whether on the ground or in the air, for either advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) services. This code requires medical review and is not payable by Medicare. It was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1995, with an effective date of January 01, 2014.

1. What is HCPCS A0424?

HCPCS code A0424 is used to identify the additional presence of an ambulance attendant during the transportation of a patient. This code applies to both ground and air transportation, including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The attendant may provide either advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) services, depending on the needs of the patient. It is important to note that this code requires medical review and is not payable by Medicare.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code A0424 is “Extra ambulance attendant, ground (ALS or BLS) or air (fixed or rotary winged); (requires medical review).” The short description for this code is “Extra ambulance attendant.”

3. Procedure

1. The ambulance attendant, whether on the ground or in the air, accompanies the patient during transportation.
2. The attendant provides additional support and assistance to the primary medical personnel.
3. Depending on the patient’s condition, the attendant may administer advanced life support (ALS) or basic life support (BLS) services.
4. The attendant ensures the safety and well-being of the patient throughout the transportation process.

4. When to use HCPCS code A0424

HCPCS code A0424 should be used when an extra ambulance attendant is required during the transportation of a patient. This may be necessary in situations where the patient’s condition requires additional support or when the primary medical personnel need assistance in providing care. It is important to note that this code requires medical review and is not payable by Medicare.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code A0424, healthcare providers need to document the need for an extra ambulance attendant and the specific services provided. This documentation should include the patient’s condition, the reason for the additional support, and any relevant medical records. It is important to follow the guidelines and requirements set forth by the payer when submitting claims for reimbursement.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code A0424 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 1995. It has an effective date of January 01, 2014. As of now, 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 A0424 is not payable by Medicare. It falls under the coverage code I, which means it is not covered by Medicare. The pricing indicator code for this code is 00, indicating that the service is not separately priced by Part B. This means that the service is either not 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 A0424 should be billed:

1. A patient with a critical medical condition requires transportation by air ambulance. Due to the severity of the condition, an extra ambulance attendant is necessary to provide advanced life support (ALS) services during the flight.
2. An elderly patient with limited mobility needs to be transported from a nursing home to a hospital for a medical procedure. The patient requires basic life support (BLS) services during the ground transportation, and an extra ambulance attendant is needed to ensure their safety and well-being.
3. A patient with a complex medical condition requires transportation by ground ambulance. The patient’s condition is unstable, and an extra ambulance attendant is necessary to provide additional support and assistance to the primary medical personnel.
4. A patient with a psychiatric condition needs to be transported to a specialized facility for treatment. Due to the nature of the condition, an extra ambulance attendant is required to ensure the safety and security of the patient during the transportation.
5. An injured athlete needs to be transported to a sports medicine clinic for immediate medical attention. The athlete’s condition requires advanced life support (ALS) services during the ground transportation, and an extra ambulance attendant is needed to provide the necessary care.