Summary & Overview
HCPCS Level II S0215: Non-emergency Transportation, Mileage Per Mile
HCPCS Level II code S0215 designates non-emergency patient transportation billed by mileage, charged on a per-mile basis. This code matters nationally because non-emergency medical transportation is an essential access component for outpatient care, dialysis, and other ambulatory services; mileage-based billing affects provider payment, patient access, and transportation program logistics. Payers commonly applying this code include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find a concise overview of what S0215 represents, how it is used in clinical and operational settings, and which major payers recognize the code. The publication summarizes national benchmarks where available, common billing practices, and recent policy updates affecting mileage-based non-emergency transportation. It also explains the clinical context in which mileage charges are typically applied and highlights areas where coding and documentation practices influence reimbursement and access. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S0215 represents non-emergency transportation billed by mileage, per mile. This service covers transport of patients when medical necessity dictates non-emergency travel and the billing unit is distance traveled.
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Service type: Non-emergency patient transportation
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Typical site of service: Ground transport during non-emergent medical trips (e.g., transport between home and outpatient facilities, dialysis centers, or other ambulatory care sites)
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient with a non-emergent medical appointment requires transportation to and from an outpatient facility. Typical patients include older adults, patients with mobility limitations, or those without private vehicle access who need transport for dialysis, chemotherapy, physical therapy, or specialty clinic visits. The transportation service is billed by a non-emergency transport vendor or provider using mileage-based reimbursement.
A common workflow: the provider or care coordinator arranges transportation for the patient. The transport vehicle picks up the patient at home, documents pickup and drop-off locations and total miles driven, and delivers the patient to the outpatient clinic or treatment center. After the visit, return transport is provided and miles are recorded. The transport vendor submits claim using S0215 (non-emergency transportation; mileage, per mile) with appropriate modifiers and the beneficiary’s primary diagnosis code(s) that justify the medical necessity of transport. Supporting documentation includes trip logs, mileage records, patient name, dates of service, and the destination facility.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier | Use when no specific modifier applies to the transportation service. |