How Much Does Ped Crit Care Transport Cost?
Also known as: Ped crit care transport (CPT 99466)
Critical care transport of a critically ill or injured child (age 24 months or younger) by a physician, first 30-74 minutes.
Ped Crit Care Transport (CPT 99466) costs $202 at Medicare rates.
The rates shown below represent the complete Medicare reimbursement for this service. No separate facility fee applies for this type of procedure.
Patient Guide: Ped Crit Care Transport
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A physician will accompany and provide intensive medical care to your critically ill child during transport to a higher-level hospital, managing breathing support, IV medications, and continuous monitoring.
How Long Does It Take?
30-74 minutes of face-to-face transport care
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Transport of critically ill infant/toddler to pediatric intensive care unit, neonatal emergencies requiring specialized facility
How to Prepare
The transport team will guide you. If possible, provide the child medical history and medication information to the team.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Ped crit care transport
How to Reduce Your Cost for Ped crit care transport
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (6.04) x CF ($33.40) = $202
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ped crit care transport cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Ped crit care transport is $202. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Ped crit care transport cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Ped crit care transport can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Ped crit care transport?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Ped crit care transport when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.