Definition and purpose
A Codes are five-digit codes that identify ambulance and transportation services, and other medical transportation services. They are used to describe the transportation of a patient by an ambulance, air ambulance, or other medical transport vehicle. These codes are necessary for reimbursement purposes and help ensure accurate and efficient processing of claims.
Categories of A Codes
A Codes are divided into three main categories:
- Ground ambulance: These codes identify transportation services provided by ground ambulance, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) services.
- Air ambulance: These codes identify transportation services provided by air ambulance, such as helicopter transport and fixed-wing transport.
- Other medical transportation: This category includes other medical transportation services such as wheelchair van, taxi, and other transportation services that are medically necessary for the patient.
Structure and format of A Codes
A Codes have a specific structure and format. The first digit of the code indicates the type of ambulance or transportation service. The second digit indicates the origin and destination of the transport. The third digit indicates the level of service provided. The fourth and fifth digits identify the specific code.
For example, A0427 is a code for ground ambulance, Advanced Life Support, Level 1. The “A” indicates that this is an A Code, the “0” indicates the type of ambulance or transportation service, the “4” indicates the origin and destination of the transport, the “2” indicates the level of service provided, and the “7” identifies the specific code.