EMS Learning
Like BLS, ALS, and SCT, Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation are categories of the Levels of Service provided by ambulances. The main difference between them is the need for immediate treatment, which determines the required equipment and personnel. According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), most ground ambulance providers in Texas furnish both types of transportation. Emergency Transportation Emergency Transportation […]
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Like BLS and ALS, Specialty Care Transport (SCT) is a category of the Levels of Service provided by ground ambulances. SCT-level transports are typically the interfacility transportation of a critically injured or ill patient. When is SCT needed? The most common reason a patient needs SCT is for transportation from one hospital to another medical facility. […]
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Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) are categories of the Levels of Service provided by ground ambulances. BLS and ALS communicate the medical necessity for ambulance services when an EMS agency responds to a 911 call. The Level of Service determines the reimbursement rate EMS agencies receive for their claims. As Medicare sets the […]
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On September 1, Senate Bill 2476, signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott on June 18, took effect. The bill affects reimbursement processes for Texas EMS agencies. SB 2476 aims to amend current laws relating to consumer protections against specific medical and healthcare surprise billing. Changes outlined in the document will apply to emergency medical services provided on […]
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In 2014, the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) recommended an update to the landmark EMS Agenda for the Future. The 1996 document guided the development of valuable EMS systems such as Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Health Paramedicine. Throughout 2017 and 2018, the EMS community and society members shared ideas, which resulted in the EMS Agenda 2050. Published in 2019, the EMS […]
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As the healthcare system turns to a more value-based care focus, EMS leaders strive to adjust to this trend. Aligned with the EMS Agenda For The Future, a growing strategy in the industry has been Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH): a patient-centered approach that offers care through mobile resources in out-of-hospital environments. Community Paramedicine is a popular MIH […]
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The Texas Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (TASPP) is part of the Ambulance Services Supplemental Payment Program (ASSPP). ASSPPs are designed to help EMS providers gain reimbursement for care provided to patients who meet certain financial requirements, known as Charity Care or Uncompensated Care. The program can help pay the costs of EMS services delivered to individuals not covered by […]
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In this age of increased focus on data security, it can be scary to share personal or private information. If you find yourself in the position of a patient, it’s relevant to know what information is most helpful to those providing care and how it’s used across all groups involved. That’s what we will discuss […]
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According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), there are some criteria that a Patient Care Report (PCR) must observe to be compliant for EMS claim reimbursement. Although there are multiple reasons to be thorough while completing a PCR, the primary motivation is to provide an accurate, truthful, and complete record of the patient’s condition […]
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EMS agencies are always standing by, ready to respond to emergency medical needs. For municipal agencies, this readiness is often funded by tax dollars. However, funding for readiness is often not sufficient to cover utilization costs. That means there is a price for having an ambulance ready to run and different costs to keep the ambulance running on every call. Reimbursement […]
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