CPB (Certified Professional Biller) Certification Practice Exam

What is the payment system used for ambulance services provided to Medicare beneficiaries called?

1. Ambulatory Payment Classification

2. Ambulance Fee Schedule

3. Ambulatory Surgical Center

4. All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Group

The correct answer is: Ambulance Fee Schedule

The payment system utilized for ambulance services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is indeed referred to as the Ambulance Fee Schedule. This schedule is specifically designed to establish the payments that Medicare will reimburse for various types of ambulance services, which can include basic life support, advanced life support, and non-emergency transports. The use of the Ambulance Fee Schedule is crucial as it helps determine the amount that providers will receive for their services, thereby ensuring that ambulance service providers are compensated fairly based on the type of transport and the level of service provided. Given the complexity and necessity of emergency medical services, this payment structure facilitates the sustainability of these essential services for beneficiaries. In terms of context, the other options represent different payment methodologies or classifications within the healthcare billing landscape but do not apply specifically to ambulance services. For example, the Ambulatory Payment Classification system is used for outpatient hospital services, the Ambulatory Surgical Center pertains to a different set of services and billing practices, and All Patient Refined Diagnosis-Related Groups is related to inpatient hospital payments. Thus, they do not directly govern the payment for ambulance services under Medicare.