Effective January 1, 2020, to be consistent with the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, reimbursement for waiting time
and select items and services will not be
eligible for separate reimbursement because they are
always integral to the primary ambulance service for
all Independence Medicare Advantage members.
Items and services include:
- oxygen
- drugs
- disposable supplies (e.g., gauze, dressings, cervical collar)
- the use of extra attendants
- EKG testing
- reusable devices and equipment (e.g., backboards, inflatable splints)
Updated policies
The following Medicare Advantage policies will be updated to capture this
information. These policies were posted as Notifications on December 2, 2019,
and will go into effect January 1, 2020:
- #MA12.002b: Ground Ambulance Transport Services (Emergency and
Nonemergency)
- #MA12.007a: Air Ambulance Services
To view the Notifications for these policies, visit our Medical Policy Portal.