D
Operations

Dry Run

Definition
A trip where the vehicle is dispatched and arrives at the pickup location, but the trip is not completed due to reasons beyond the provider's control (e.g., Member No-Show, Member Not Ready, Wrong Address).

Overview

Why it Matters

Some states/contracts pay a "Dry Run Fee" (lower than the full trip cost) to cover the driver's time and gas.

How it Works

The driver marks the status "No Show." The billing team converts this into a "Dry Run" claim if the contract allows.

Code Comparison

Comparison: Dry Run vs. Deadhead

Deadhead: The miles driven empty (Cost).

Dry Run: The billable event of a failed pickup (Potential Revenue).

Common Questions

  • Billing Full Rate: Billing the full A0100 code for a Dry Run is fraud. You must usually use a specific modifier or code (e.g., A0100-TN).
  • Collect GPS timestamps to prove the Dry Run occurred.

Sources

CMS Medicaid Reimbursement Manuals