Ambulance service, advanced life support, non-emergency transport, level 1 (als 1)
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Common name(s): Ambulance Transport, ALS 1 Medical term: Ambulance Service, Advanced Life Support, Non-Emergency Transport, Level 1 (A0426)
Summary
Ambulance Service, Advanced Life Support, Non-Emergency Transport, Level 1 (ALS 1) involves transporting a patient who requires advanced life support (ALS) by an ambulance crew trained to provide a higher level of medical care than basic life support. This is a scheduled, non-emergency service designed for patients who need clinical monitoring or specific medical interventions during transportation to a healthcare facility.
Purpose
Medical conditions addressed:
- For patients needing regular medical monitoring during transport
- Patients requiring specific ALS procedures or medications
Goals/expected outcomes:
- Safe transportation of patients with medical needs
- Continuous monitoring and readiness to administer advanced medical support during transit
Indications
Symptoms or conditions warranting the procedure:
- Stable patients with chronic medical conditions requiring ALS interventions
- Patients transferring between healthcare facilities needing ALS
- Individuals who might require clinical monitoring and administration of medications during transport
Patient criteria:
- Patients assessed by a healthcare provider to need ALS
- Patients whose condition, while not currently life-threatening, necessitates advanced medical support during transport
Preparation
Patient instructions:
- Ensure any relevant medical records and medications are brought along
- Follow any specific instructions provided by healthcare providers, such as medication adjustments
Pre-procedure tests/assessments:
- Medical history review and current health status assessment
- Any required laboratory tests or diagnostics as prescribed by a physician
Procedure Description
- Preparation:
- Ambulance crew confirms transport details and patient medical information.
- Patient is placed on a stretcher and secured safely in the ambulance.
- Transport Process:
- Continuous monitoring of vital signs (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels).
- Administration of ALS interventions as needed (e.g., IV fluids, medications).
- Arrival at Destination:
- Patient transferred safely to the receiving healthcare facility or designated location.
- Transfer of care completed with detailed handover to healthcare providers.
Tools/equipment:
- ALS ambulances equipped with advanced medical devices (e.g., cardiac monitors, IV pumps, medications)
Anesthesia/Sedation:
- Typically not required for non-emergency transport
Duration
- The duration varies based on the distance and specific needs of the patient, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Setting
- Ambulance Services
- Transfer between healthcare facilities or medical centers
Personnel
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics
- Additional medical staff if required based on patient’s condition
Risks and Complications
Common risks:
- Minor discomfort from transportation
Rare risks:
- Complications related to the patient's underlying medical condition
- Potential adverse reactions to medications administered
Management of complications:
- Immediate medical intervention by trained ALS staff
Benefits
Expected benefits:
- Safe and medically supervised transportation
- Immediate availability of ALS during transit, ensuring patient stability
Realization of benefits:
- Immediate upon use of the service
Recovery
Post-procedure care:
- Follow continuation of care instructions provided by the healthcare facility upon arrival
Recovery time:
- No recovery period from the transport itself, recovery pertains to the underlying condition
Restrictions/follow-up:
- Follow-up appointments as per treating physician or healthcare provider’s instructions
Alternatives
Other options:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Transportation
- Non-medical transport services for patients who do not require medical supervision
Pros/Cons:
- BLS is less equipped for advanced medical needs, suitable only for stable patients.
- Non-medical transport lacks any clinical support and is inappropriate for patients needing medical interventions.
Patient Experience
During procedure:
- Patients can expect monitoring and interaction with medical staff.
- Comfort is maintained with minimal movement, secured on a stretcher.
After procedure:
- Continued care at the destination healthcare facility
- Instructions provided for ongoing care and any next steps
Pain management/Comfort measures:
- Ensuring comfort through proper positioning and securing on the stretcher
- Pain management medications as prescribed