HCPCS
A0021 — Ambulance service, outside state per mile, transport (medicaid only)
Outside state ambulance serv
Drugs & infusions
A4253 — Blood glucose test strips, 50 strips
Diabetic supplies billed in 50-strip units. Often subject to formulary and quantity limits.
- Typical setting: Pharmacy or DME supplier
- National avg charge (illustrative): Insurance allowed $25-$60 per 50 strips; cash $30-$120.
- Most-disputed reason: Pharmacy charging cash price when DME benefit covers strips.
What it means
What A4253 actually means
HCPCS A4253 covers blood glucose test strips in 50-strip units, used by diabetic patients to self-monitor blood sugar.
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).
- Strips charged through pharmacy benefit when DME benefit covers them at $0 cost-share for many plans.
- Quantity above insurance limit billed to patient.
- Brand strips charged when generic is on formulary.
If you see A4253 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 A4253 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 A4253 on a bill.
A4253 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
Don't pay A4253 blindly.
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