Dan Sullivan, the founder of The Strategic Coach Inc. and creator of the Strategic Coach® Program, developed a methodology for assessment named D.O.S., which stands for Dangers, Opportunities, and Strengths.
Strengths encompass our unique skills and abilities, opportunities offer the possibility to gain something, while dangers refer to things we are afraid of losing. In the upcoming blog series, EMERGICON will utilize this methodology to assess the Emergency Medical Services industry and offer insight on how to mitigate dangers, capitalize on opportunities, and develop the strengths that are most impactful.
Strengths of EMS: Clinical Capability Outside of Hospital
After decades of delivering patients to hospital emergency rooms, the emergency services industry shifted in 2019 in a way that benefits both patients and the community.
A new payment model moves to a collaborative, value-based healthcare system that delivers “each patient the right care, at the right price, in the right setting, from the right provider.” Previously, Medicare only provided ambulance service reimbursement related to a hospital emergency room drop-off.
As a result of the Emergency Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) Model, ambulance service agencies can get reimbursed for treatment beyond “treat-and-release” care at an emergency room. Perhaps the best care for the patient requires visiting a doctor’s office or urgent care or getting on-site treatment without additional assistance. Maybe the emergency condition relates to alcohol and a sobering center drop-off is most appropriate. Thankfully, emergency service personnel can make those decisions and not be penalized without payment.
Benefits of Treatment Outside of Hospital
Experts in the industry are pleased the government recognizes the value EMS brings to the healthcare arena by moving to an alternative payment model. It shows trust in their role in community healthcare.
In addition to providing the best and most appropriate care for recipients, ET3 also makes EMS systems more efficient. It reduces trips to the emergency department and avoids unnecessary hospitalizations that can occur, as a result. Recipients also can save on out-of-pocket expenses as they receive care from alternative destinations.
Have you received emergency care from an ambulance that didn’t involve a trip to the emergency department? You can thank the new payment model that gives emergency service personnel the opportunity to make the best choice for your care. NOTE: At this time, only Texas Medicaid has approved reimbursement for the ET3 model. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog that explores this development.