CMS Pub. 100-02, ch. 10, § 30.1.2

There are two categories of air ambulance services: fixed wing (airplane) and rotary wing

(helicopter) aircraft. The higher operational costs of the two types of aircraft are

recognized with two distinct payment amounts for air ambulance mileage. The air

ambulance mileage rate is calculated per actual loaded (patient onboard) miles flown and

is expressed in statute miles (not nautical miles).

1. Fixed Wing Air Ambulance (FW)

Fixed wing air ambulance is furnished when the beneficiary’s medical condition is such

that transport by ground ambulance, in whole or in part, is not appropriate. Generally,

transport by fixed wing air ambulance may be necessary because the beneficiary’s

condition requires rapid transport to a treatment facility, and either great distances or

other obstacles, e.g., heavy traffic, preclude such rapid delivery to the nearest appropriate

facility. Transport by fixed wing air ambulance may also be necessary because the

beneficiary is inaccessible by a ground or water ambulance vehicle.

2. Rotary Wing Air Ambulance (RW)

Rotary wing air ambulance is furnished when the beneficiary’s medical condition is such

that transport by ground ambulance, in whole or in part, is not appropriate. Generally,

transport by rotary wing air ambulance may be necessary because the beneficiary’s

condition requires rapid transport to a treatment facility, and either great distances or

other obstacles, e.g., heavy traffic, preclude such rapid delivery to the nearest appropriate

facility. Transport by rotary wing air ambulance may also be necessary because the

beneficiary is inaccessible by a ground or water ambulance vehicle.

07/17/2025