2025 HCPCS code A0190
Meal charges associated with non-emergency ambulance transport.
Medical necessity for the transport itself must be established. The meal charge is only applicable if the transport is medically necessary and the provision of a meal is justified by the circumstances, such as extended transport time.
Report this code for meal charges that may occur during non-emergency transportation. Medicare does not pay for this service. Check with the payer to verify coverage and types of additional costs the payer may consider.
In simple words: This code covers the cost of meals provided to a patient during non-emergency ambulance transportation.
This code represents the extra costs for meal charges that occur with a non-emergency transport service. Non-emergency transportation allows a patient to travel from one location to another for non-emergency medical purposes. The patient usually travels to and from the nearest appropriate facility to obtain only necessary diagnostic and/or therapeutic services. Appropriate facilities may include hospitals, critical access hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, dialysis facilities, or the patient’s home.
Example 1: A patient requires non-emergency transport from a skilled nursing facility to a hospital for a diagnostic test. The transport takes several hours, and the patient requires a meal during the trip., A patient is discharged from a hospital and needs non-emergency transport home. The transport is lengthy due to distance, and a meal is provided to the patient en route., A patient receiving ongoing dialysis requires non-emergency transport to a dialysis center three times a week. Due to the travel time, a meal is provided during each transport.
Documentation should support the medical necessity of the non-emergency transport and the reason for the meal being provided. The length of the transport and the patient's condition should be documented.
** This code is considered an ancillary charge and is not separately payable by Medicare. Coverage and payment policies for this code may vary among other payers.
- Payment Status: Not payable by Medicare
- Specialties:Emergency Medical Services, Ambulance Services
- Place of Service:Ambulance - Land