In simple words: This code covers the basic disposable supplies (like gloves, bandages, and towels) used by paramedics in a life-saving ambulance ride.

HCPCS code A0398 reports the routine disposable supplies used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel during the transport of a patient in an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance.These supplies may include, but are not limited to, gloves, gauze, bandages or dressings, hot or cold packs, and towels.A single unit of A0398 encompasses all such routine disposable supplies used in a single ALS transport.Advanced Life Support refers to emergency prehospital care involving invasive procedures such as intravenous drug administration, intubation, and defibrillation.The code reflects the supplies consumed during the provision of ALS transport, not the transport itself.

Example 1: A patient experiencing a myocardial infarction (heart attack) is transported via ALS ambulance to the hospital.Code A0398 is used to report the disposable supplies utilized during the transport, including IV tubing, bandages, and gloves., A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries is transported by ALS ambulance.The supplies used, including oxygen masks, dressings for wounds, and antiseptic wipes, are reported using A0398., A patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction requiring epinephrine administration is transported by ALS ambulance.The disposable supplies used during the transport, such as needles, syringes, and alcohol swabs, are reported under A0398.

Documentation should include the patient's condition requiring ALS transport, a description of the supplies used, and the total quantity of each supply type utilized.The documentation should support medical necessity for the ALS level of service.

** This code is for routine disposable supplies only; it does not include the cost of the ambulance transport itself or any other separately billable items or services.