A0428
Ambulance Service, Basic Life Support (BLS), Non-Emergency Transport
Code Description
HCPCS code A0428 is used to report Basic Life Support (BLS) non-emergency ground ambulance transportation. This service is provided when a patient's medical condition requires transport by ambulance, but the transport is not considered an emergency. The code represents the base rate for the transport, while mileage is reported separately using HCPCS code A0425.
When to Use A0428
Common examples include:
Transport between hospitals
Transport to a skilled nursing facility
Transport to a dialysis center
Non-emergency transfer to a rehabilitation facility
Transport from a nursing home to a hospital
Medically necessary outpatient transportation
Scheduled ambulance transport
Documentation Requirements
Documentation should include:
Medical necessity for ambulance transport
Patient's condition requiring BLS transport
Origin and destination
Physician Certification Statement (when required)
Date of service
Complete ambulance trip documentation
Examples
Example 1
A stable patient recovering from hip surgery is transported by ground ambulance from an acute care hospital to a skilled nursing facility because the patient is unable to safely travel by wheelchair van or private vehicle. HCPCS code A0428 is reported for the non-emergency BLS transport.
Example 2
A patient receiving chronic dialysis requires medically necessary non-emergency ambulance transportation from a nursing facility to a dialysis center. The ambulance provider reports HCPCS code A0428 for the transport, with A0425 billed separately for mileage.
Common Billing Mistakes
Common billing mistakes include:
Billing A0428 for emergency transports
Failing to document medical necessity
Omitting required origin and destination modifiers
Billing mileage within A0428 instead of separately
Using A0428 when another mode of transportation would have been appropriate
Related HCPCS Codes
A0425
Ground Ambulance Mileage
A0427
Advanced Life Support (ALS), Emergency Transport
A0429
Basic Life Support (BLS), Emergency Transport
FAQ
What does HCPCS code A0428 cover?
HCPCS code A0428 reports the base rate for non-emergency Basic Life Support (BLS) ground ambulance transportation. Mileage is billed separately using A0425.
Is mileage included with A0428?
No. Mileage is reported separately using HCPCS code A0425.
When is A0428 commonly used?
It is commonly used for medically necessary non-emergency transports between healthcare facilities, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and hospitals.
Does A0428 require medical necessity?
Yes. The patient's condition must require transportation by ambulance rather than another appropriate means of transport.
Code Type
Ground Ambulance
Service Level
Transport Type
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Non-Emergency
