Ambulance transportation resource
MICU vs. ALS Ambulance Transport: What Families and Facilities Should Know
MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit) and ALS (Advanced Life Support) are service levels that referring healthcare teams may request for ambulance transportation. Which level is appropriate depends on the patient’s individual circumstances and the judgment of the referring clinicians, not on this page. This guide explains how the requests work so you know what to tell dispatch. If someone needs immediate emergency help, call 911.
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How the service levels fit together
Preferred EMS coordinates BLS, ALS, and MICU ambulance transportation. BLS is the basic level, ALS is a higher level of support than BLS, and MICU is requested when the referring healthcare team identifies intensive-care-level transport.
The referring physician, nurse, or discharge team is generally the best source for the level to request. Preferred EMS dispatch coordinates the requested service level, subject to availability.
When is ALS requested?
ALS transportation may be requested when the referring team determines that a patient may need a higher level of support than BLS during the trip. Requests often come from hospitals and facilities arranging transfers or discharges.
A diagnosis alone does not establish which service level or coverage applies. The referring clinical team makes that determination.
When is MICU requested?
MICU transportation is requested when the referring healthcare team identifies MICU as the service level needed, commonly for higher-acuity interfacility transfers between hospitals.
Because these transfers usually involve hospital teams, the sending facility typically makes the request and shares the details dispatch needs.
What to tell dispatch if you are not sure
You do not need to choose the service level yourself. Tell dispatch who is asking for the transport, the pickup and destination, the requested time, and, if you know it, the level the referring team has requested. If the level is unknown, say so and dispatch will explain what they need.
Please do not send diagnoses or medical records through the website form.
Pickup and destination
Full addresses, building or unit, and a contact person at each end.
Date and time
The requested pickup time and any appointment or admission time.
Requested level, if known
BLS, ALS, or MICU, as identified by the referring team. It is fine to say it is not known.
Contact information
A phone number for the requester and the referring team.
Insurance and Medicare
Coverage depends on the individual circumstances and the payer’s requirements, and a higher service level does not by itself mean a transport is covered. See our Medicare documentation resource or speak with the patient’s payer.
Related Preferred EMS services and resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between MICU and ALS ambulance transport?
They are different service levels that a referring healthcare team may request. The referring clinicians decide which level fits the patient; dispatch coordinates the requested level.
Who decides whether ALS or MICU is needed?
The referring physician, nurse, or discharge team decides the level to request based on the patient’s circumstances.
What if I do not know which level to request?
Call dispatch at (713) 791-9000, share the pickup, destination, and timing, and say the level is not known. Dispatch will explain what is needed.
Does Preferred EMS provide MICU transport in Houston?
Preferred EMS coordinates requested BLS, ALS, and MICU ambulance transportation across Greater Houston, subject to availability.
Does insurance cover MICU or ALS transport?
It depends on the patient’s circumstances and payer requirements. Speak with the patient’s payer or see our billing information.