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CPT 99485: Supervision of Pediatric Critical Care Transport (≤24 months)
CPT code 99485 represents physician supervision of the transport of a critically ill or injured child aged 24 months or younger for up to 30 minutes. The code captures pre-transport, in-transit, and post-arrival communication with the transport team and interpretation of patient data. This service is distinct from bedside critical care and documents the physician’s supervisory and consultative role during short-duration interfacility pediatric transports.
This publication addresses national implications for billing and coverage of CPT code 99485. Key payers considered are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context, typical sites of service, common modifiers used with transport and supervision services, and where to find related coding guidance. The piece also outlines what to expect in payer coverage policies and benchmark considerations for hospitals and transport teams when documenting supervisory involvement.
The article provides practical policy and billing context without state-specific detail. It includes benchmarks, policy updates, and coding notes that clarify how this supervision code fits alongside other critical care and transport services. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 99485 describes physician supervision of the interfacility transport of a critically ill or injured child 24 months of age or younger for up to 30 minutes. The supervising provider communicates with the transport team before and during transport and upon arrival at the receiving facility, and interprets patient data relayed by the transport team.
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Service type: Supervision of pediatric critical care transport
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Typical site of service: Interfacility transport between acute care facilities (medical transport setting)