On-Demand: Best Practices in Managing VA Claims

Billing the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for ambulance services can be challenging, particularly as reimbursement requirements and claim processing expectations continue to evolve. In this educational presentation, PWW|AG reimbursement expert Steve Johnson provided EMS leaders and revenue cycle professionals with a practical overview of VA ambulance coverage, eligibility requirements, emergency transport rules, claim submission best practices, and recent enforcement changes affecting reimbursement.

Key Topics Steve Covered:

• Understanding when VA – not Medicare – is the appropriate payer, and why government programs do not coordinate benefits for the same service.
• Differentiating between authorized (non-emergency) and unauthorized (emergency) ambulance transports, including the eligibility requirements for each.
• The importance of timely emergency notifications, including the VA’s enforcement of the 30-day notification requirement while maintaining a 180-day formal claim submission deadline.
• Best practices for submitting VA ambulance claims, including documentation requirements, electronic claim submission, and PCR attachment recommendations.
• Avoiding common billing pitfalls, including balance billing prohibitions and claim denials related to notification and documentation requirements.

This presentation is an excellent resource for EMS executives, billing managers, compliance professionals, and ambulance revenue cycle teams seeking to improve VA reimbursement performance while maintaining compliance with current VA policies.

Click here to watch Steve’s presentation.

Click here to download a copy of the handout.