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Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System

Guidance for requirements for participation in the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System.

Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: April 10, 2013

Effective January 1, 2020–2024, CMS selected ground ambulance providers and suppliers to participate in the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System (GADCS). To learn more, view these FAQs (PDF) - Updated 11/02/2023.

Selected Providers & Suppliers

What To Do if We Select Your Organization

How do I register for the GADCS Portal?

Selected ground ambulance organizations in Year 1 and Year 2 are required to collect data beginning in 2022 and report beginning in 2023 (within 5 months after your data collection period ends).

Selected ground ambulance organizations in Year 3 and Year 4 are required to collect data beginning in 2023 and report beginning in 2024 (within 5 months after your data collection period ends).

Selected ground ambulance organizations are required to report data using the GADCS portal. For information on how to access the system, view Quick Tips on Registration and Requesting Access to the GADCS Portal (PDF).

Overview of the Timeline for the Data Collection & Data Reporting Requirements under the GADCS

Overview of the Timeline for the Data Collection & Data Reporting Requirements under the GADCS

What Happens if Your Organization Doesn’t Report Data

If CMS selects your organization to participate, but your organization doesn’t report the required information, your organization will be subject to a 10 percent reduction in payments under the Medicare Part B Ambulance Fee Schedule (AFS) for a calendar year. Your organization will not get a reduction in payments if we approve a hardship exemption request or if an informal review concludes that your organization isn't subject to the 10 percent reduction in payments.

Medicare GADCS Goals

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) will analyze the collected information and submit a report to Congress on the:

  • Information you submit through the data collection system
  • Adequacy of payments for ground ambulance services and geographic variations in the cost of furnishing such services
  • Analysis of any burden on you associated with the data collection system
  • Recommendation as to whether organizations should continue to submit information through the data collection system or if changes are needed

Rules on the Establishment of the Medicare GADCS

Resources

Events

See upcoming and past events.

HHS is committed to making its websites and documents accessible to the widest possible audience, including individuals with disabilities. We are in the process of retroactively making some documents accessible. If you need assistance accessing an accessible version of this document, please reach out to the guidance@hhs.gov.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.