A0431 Rotary wing air transport
Also known as: helicopter transport, rotary wing, chopper ambulance, HEMS
Rotary wing aircraft (helicopter) transport service for emergency patient evacuation and inter-facility transfer via helicopter with advanced medical personnel.
In Plain Language
helicopter ambulance; air ambulance service
Clinical Context
Used for critical trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, or organ donation cases requiring rapid transport where ground transport delays would be life-threatening.
RVU Information
CPT A0431 does not have a physician work RVU assigned by CMS. This is typical for supply, drug, and equipment codes — reimbursement is based on Average Sales Price (ASP), fee schedules, or payer contracts rather than the RVU system.
Billing & Documentation
HCPCS A-codes cover medical supplies, equipment, and transport services. Documentation must establish medical necessity and include a physician order. For durable medical equipment (DME), a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) or detailed written order may be required.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code A0431?
CPT A0431 (Rotary wing air transport) is a A Codes code. Rotary wing aircraft (helicopter) transport service for emergency patient evacuation and inter-facility transfer via helicopter with advanced medical personnel.
Does Medicare cover A0431?
Medicare coverage for A0431 depends on medical necessity and applicable Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs). Used for critical trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, or organ donation cases requiring rapid transport where ground transport delays would be life-threatening. A physician order is typically required.
When is CPT A0431 used?
Used for critical trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, or organ donation cases requiring rapid transport where ground transport delays would be life-threatening.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.