In simple words: This code covers the special supplies, like sticky pads and gel, used by ambulance crews to shock a patient's heart back to a normal rhythm if needed during transport.

This HCPCS code represents the disposable supplies used by ambulance emergency medical services (EMS) personnel for defibrillation during patient transport, applicable to both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances where defibrillation is permitted within BLS scope.These supplies include, but are not limited to, electrodes, conductive gel, and pacing pads.One unit of A0384 is reported for all defibrillation supplies used in a single incident.

Example 1: A patient experiencing cardiac arrest in a public place is transported via ALS ambulance.During transport, the paramedics use A0384 supplies to perform defibrillation.One unit of A0384 is reported., A patient with a history of arrhythmias collapses at home.The BLS ambulance crew, where defibrillation is permitted, uses defibrillation supplies (A0384) during transport to the hospital. One unit of A0384 is reported., A patient suffers sudden cardiac arrest and is transferred between hospitals.During the inter-facility transport, the ALS ambulance team employs A0384 defibrillation supplies.One unit of A0384 is reported.

* Documentation should clearly indicate the need for defibrillation.* The type of ambulance (BLS or ALS) should be specified.* The number of defibrillation attempts should be noted (though only one unit of A0384 is billed regardless of the number of attempts).* Specific supplies used (electrodes, gel, etc.) may be detailed but aren't required for coding.

** This code should only be reported in conjunction with the appropriate ambulance transport code(s).