When and How to Bill A0428 for Non-Emergency BLS Transport

When to Use Code A0428

HCPCS A0428 is used for Basic Life Support (BLS), non-emergency ambulance transport.
This code applies when a patient requires ambulance-level support — such as monitoring or positioning — but does not have an emergency condition.

• •Service type: BLS non-emergency
• •When to bill: For routine patient transfers between facilities or appointments
• •Who uses it: Licensed ambulance providers

Common scenarios:

• •Transport from skilled nursing facility to outpatient dialysis
• •Discharge transport home requiring stretcher support
• •Transfer to another hospital for scheduled testing

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Insurance Verification Tips for A0428

When verifying coverage:

1. •Confirm the payer covers non-emergency ambulance transport.
2. •Check if prior authorization is required for scheduled trips.
3. •Ensure documentation shows medical necessity (why other transport was unsafe).
4. •Include origin and destination modifiers on the claim (e.g., RH, HN).

Pro tip: Attach signed Physician Certification Statements (PCS) when required.

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Example Case

A 70-year-old patient with limited mobility is transported from a rehabilitation facility to a follow-up cardiac appointment.
The patient is stable but cannot sit upright in a wheelchair.
The provider bills one unit of A0428 for the non-emergency BLS transport and includes mileage separately under A0425.