Home Administrative Billing & Reimbursement BlueCard® Health and Wellness Medical PEAR portal Pharmacy Products Quality Management

Items and services always integral to the primary ambulance service for Medicare Advantage members

December 2, 2019

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.  


This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Connect with us     Facebook     Twitter     Flickr     YouTube     Walk the Talk    Independence Pinterest    Independence LinkedIn    Independence Instagram Site Map        Anti-Fraud        Privacy Policy        Legal        Disclaimer
© 2023 Independence Blue Cross.
Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving the health insurance needs of Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.