Library: Policy

317:30-5-336.1. Medical necessity

Issued 12-21-06

(a) The member's condition must require the ambulance/stretcher transportation itself and the level of service provided, in order for the billed service to be considered medically necessary.  Medical necessity is established when the member's condition is such that the use of any other method of transportation is contraindicated.

(b) The medical personnel in attendance, including the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at the scene of an emergency, determine medical necessity and appropriateness of service within the scope of accepted medical practice and SoonerCare guidelines.

(c) Non-emergency transports are not covered unless the member is bed confined or has a medical condition that requires medical expertise not available with a less specialized method of transportation.  Medical necessity for non-emergency transports must be substantiated with a physician's written order.