Medicare ambulance transportation coverage and guidelines

Does my doctor have to certify that I need ground ambulance transportation?


A doctor does not have to certify that your health requires ground ambulance transportation if it is an emergency. For non-emergency ground transportation, doctor certification may be needed, but it depends on your circumstances.

If you want to schedule regular ambulance trips, your doctor must send the supplier a written order ahead of time. The order can be dated no earlier than 60 days before the trip.


For irregular or unscheduled or trips, your doctor must send a written order to the supplier within 48 hours if you are in a SNF and are under the care of a doctor. If you are at home or in a facility where you are not under the direct care of a doctor, a doctor certification is not required.