HCPCS
A0021 — Ambulance service, outside state per mile, transport (medicaid only)
Outside state ambulance serv
Ambulance & EMS
A0425 — Ground mileage, per statute mile
This is the per-mile charge added to every ground ambulance bill, billed in addition to the base transport code.
- Typical setting: Pre-hospital emergency transport
- National avg charge (illustrative): $8–$20 per mile (Medicare ~$8.50/mile in 2026; private rates are higher)
- Most-disputed reason: Billing unloaded miles (from dispatch to patient pickup) as loaded miles — only miles with patient on board are billable
What it means
What A0425 actually means
This is the per-mile charge added to every ground ambulance bill, billed in addition to the base transport code. Medicare pays a fixed rate per loaded mile (only miles with patient on board count). Mileage is always a separate line item on the bill.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billing unloaded miles (from dispatch to patient pickup) as loaded miles — only miles with patient on board are billable
- Inflating mileage beyond the actual point-to-point distance; compare to map distance
- Billing air mileage code instead of ground mileage when ground transport was used
If you see A0425 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on A0425 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
HCPCS
A0080 — Non-emergency transportation, per mile - vehicle provided by volunteer (individual or organization), with no vested interest
Noninterest escort in non er
HCPCS
A0110 — Non-emergency transportation and bus, intra or inter state carrier
Nonemergency transport bus
HCPCS
A0120 — Non-emergency transportation: mini-bus, mountain area transports, or other transportation systems
Noner transport mini-bus
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see A0425 on a bill.
A0425 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does A0425 usually cost?
$8–$20 per mile (Medicare ~$8.50/mile in 2026; private rates are higher). Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on A0425?
Billing unloaded miles (from dispatch to patient pickup) as loaded miles — only miles with patient on board are billable
What should I do if I see A0425 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to A0425 before paying.
Don't pay A0425 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.