ems education

Avoiding Anchoring Bias in Patient Assessment – Keaton Mattick

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | February 7, 2024 | Comments Off on Avoiding Anchoring Bias in Patient Assessment – Keaton Mattick

Texas’ most engaging EMS conference is approaching swiftly! Education By The Sea arrives in Port Aransas on May 8-10, 2024, and registrations are open through mid-April. Dive into the details of the 2024 conference through our sneak peek series featuring speakers and sessions.  Meet Chief Keaton Mattick, EMS Division Chief for Bexar County Emergency Service District No. 2. He will present […]

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What Constitutes a Medical Necessity for Ambulance Transport?

Medical Necessity for Ambulance Transport

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | October 2, 2023 | Comments Off on Medical Necessity for Ambulance Transport

As with most aspects of the EMS industry, Medicare sets the standards for what constitutes medical necessity for ambulance transport. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), medical necessity occurs when a patient has a medical condition for which other means of transportation are contraindicated. For ground ambulance services, Medicare assesses the medical necessity of emergency and non-emergency […]

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Emergency Ambulance Services Vs Non Emergency Ambulance Services

Understanding Ambulance Services: Emergency & Non-Emergency

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | September 25, 2023 | Comments Off on Understanding Ambulance Services: Emergency & Non-Emergency

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 Ambulance Services – […]

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Specialty Care Transport - SCT Transportation

Understanding Ambulance Services: Specialty Care Transport

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | September 18, 2023 | Comments Off on Understanding Ambulance Services: Specialty Care Transport

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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ALS Vs BLS - Advanced Life Support vs Basic Life Support

ALS Vs BLS – Understanding Ambulance Services

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | September 11, 2023 | Comments Off on ALS Vs BLS – Understanding Ambulance Services

ALS Vs BLS – Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS) are categories of the Levels of Service provided by ground ambulances. ALS Vs BLS 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 […]

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Texas Senate Bill 2476 - How-To Guide for EMS Agencies

Texas Senate Bill 2476 – What does it mean?

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | September 4, 2023 | Comments Off on Texas Senate Bill 2476 – What does it mean?

Updated December 20, 2023 Single final submission deadline: February 2, 2024 What is happening: The TDI recently finalized the rules that implement Texas Senate Bill 2476. These rules replace the proposed quarterly fee schedule reporting/submission timeline with a single, final reporting/submission due date of February 2, 2024. What you need to do: If you have […]

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What is EMS Agenda 2050 and what does it mean for the future?

What is the EMS Agenda 2050?

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | August 28, 2023 | Comments Off on What is the EMS Agenda 2050?

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 (Download the PDF Version). Published […]

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Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH)

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | August 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH)

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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Texas Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program - TASPP

Texas Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (TASPP)

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | July 3, 2023 | Comments Off on Texas Ambulance Supplemental Payment Program (TASPP)

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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Patient Data – What It Is and Why It Matters

By Taina Rodrigues-Wells | June 19, 2023 | Comments Off on Patient Data – What It Is and Why It Matters

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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