A0427
Ambulance Service, Advanced Life Support (ALS), Level 1, Emergency Transport
Code Description
HCPCS code A0427 is used to report Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 1 emergency ground ambulance transportation. This service includes emergency transport by a ground ambulance staffed to provide ALS care and requires either an ALS assessment by qualified personnel or at least one medically necessary ALS intervention during the transport. Mileage is billed separately using HCPCS code A0425.
When to Use A0427
Common examples include:
Chest pain with suspected cardiac event
Stroke symptoms
Respiratory distress
Major traumatic injuries
Altered mental status
Cardiac arrhythmias requiring ALS care
Emergency transport requiring paramedic-level interventions
Documentation Requirements
Documentation should include:
Medical necessity for ambulance transport
Patient's emergency condition
ALS assessment or intervention performed
Origin and destination
Ambulance trip report
Date of service
Examples
Example 1
A patient experiences severe chest pain and shortness of breath. Paramedics perform a cardiac assessment, obtain a 12-lead ECG, establish intravenous access, and transport the patient to the nearest emergency department. HCPCS code A0427 is reported for the ALS Level 1 emergency transport.
Example 2
A patient with signs of an acute stroke is transported by ground ambulance after paramedics perform an ALS assessment, monitor vital signs, and provide advanced airway management during transport. Mileage is billed separately using A0425, making HCPCS code A0427 the appropriate base transport code.
Common Billing Mistakes
Common billing mistakes include:
Billing A0427 when only Basic Life Support services were provided
Failing to document an ALS assessment or intervention
Billing mileage within A0427 instead of separately using A0425
Missing origin and destination modifiers
Insufficient documentation supporting medical necessity
Related HCPCS Codes
A0425
Ground Ambulance Mileage
A0426
Advanced Life Support (ALS), Non-Emergency Transport
A0429
Basic Life Support (BLS), Emergency Transport
FAQ
What does HCPCS code A0427 cover?
HCPCS code A0427 reports Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 1 emergency ground ambulance transportation.
What qualifies for A0427?
The transport must involve an emergency condition and include either an ALS assessment or at least one medically necessary ALS intervention performed by qualified personnel.
Is mileage included in A0427?
No. Ground ambulance mileage is reported separately using HCPCS code A0425.
When is A0427 commonly reported?
It is commonly reported for emergency transports involving cardiac events, strokes, respiratory emergencies, trauma, and other conditions requiring paramedic-level care.
Code Type
Ground Ambulance
Service Level
Transport Type
Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 1
Emergency
