POS 42: Ambulance - Air or Water
Air ambulance (helicopter or fixed-wing) or water ambulance.
CMS description
“An air or water vehicle specifically designed, equipped and staffed for lifesaving and transporting the sick or injured.”
When to use POS 42
Air ambulance (helicopter or fixed-wing) or water ambulance.
Reimbursement
Often billed at very high rates. NSA §2799A applies to OON air ambulance.
Common billing issues
- NSA air ambulance protections — patient cost-sharing capped
- Medical necessity scrutiny is high
Frequently asked questions
What is POS 42?
Ambulance - Air or Water. An air or water vehicle specifically designed, equipped and staffed for lifesaving and transporting the sick or injured.
When do I use POS 42?
Air ambulance (helicopter or fixed-wing) or water ambulance.
How does POS 42 affect reimbursement?
Often billed at very high rates. NSA §2799A applies to OON air ambulance.
What are common POS 42 billing issues?
NSA air ambulance protections — patient cost-sharing capped; Medical necessity scrutiny is high.
Other POS codes
- POS 01 — PharmacyUsed primarily for vaccines administered at a pharmacy and pharmacist-rendered s
- POS 02 — Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient's HomeSince 2022, POS 02 must be used for telehealth when the patient is anywhere OTHE
- POS 03 — SchoolUsed for services provided in a school setting — typically school-based health c
- POS 04 — Homeless ShelterHealth services provided at a homeless shelter, typically by mobile clinics, str
- POS 05 — Indian Health Service Free-standing FacilityIHS billing only. Special encounter rates apply.
- POS 06 — Indian Health Service Provider-based FacilityIHS billing only, provider-based hospital outpatient setting.
Sources
Automate POS 42 billing — try ApprovalHelp free
ApprovalHelp auto-routes POS-related denials, flags POS/CPT mismatches before submission, and integrates with your billing workflow. no setup fee — no card.
Get started →Contact: hello@approvalhelp.com