Historic Railway Legacy

The community-oriented City of Teague is the largest populated municipality in the historically rich Freestone County. The city became a significant hub for the Texas railroad industry after the arrival of the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway in 1906, pivotal for Teague’s development.

At the heart of Teague’s emergency medical response is the Teague Hospital District EMS (THD EMS). Serving the citizens with unwavering dedication since 1998, THD EMS promotes around-the-clock 911 response and transportation to larger facilities across Southeast and North Texas. Led by EMS Director William Flippin, the agency relies on a team of 22 staff members operating three ambulances to serve Teague and the surrounding areas.

Before partnering with EMERGICON in 2019, THD EMS used an old-school contract provider for its billing needs. “We had to fax every single run every single day. Nothing was online, and the collection rate was low. Also, she only worked part-time, so she couldn’t keep up with our demands.” Realizing the need for progress, Director Flippin sought a new EMS billing provider and discovered EMERGICON. After meeting with EMERGICON’s team and presenting the opportunity to the THD EMS board, he confidently states, “It’s been smooth sailing ever since.”

Building a New Home

For over twenty years, THD EMS has managed its operations from the same building. However, as the community grew, so did the demand for emergency medical services, leading to an increase in staff, equipment, and supplies. The original station could no longer meet the agency’s needs. Yet, the prospect of opening a new station required significant funds for both property purchase and construction. “Realistically, we would have to raise our taxes, which we strive to avoid. We aim to remain reasonable for our taxpayers.”

With EMERGICON on board, the long-time goal became achievable. “Our revenue income surpassed what we had imagined, thanks to EMERGICON. While we still receive tax money, the majority of our funding now comes from EMERGICON’s efforts.”

Without exceeding the budget, THD EMS combined tax funds, profits from selling a piece of property, and, notably, billing collections to build and inaugurate a brand-new station in May 2024. “Half of this building we’re sitting in right now was acquired through funds from our partnership with EMERGICON.”

Comparing the old and new stations, Director Flippin reflects, “We feel like we’re in the Taj Mahal now. We could fit the entirety of the former building inside our current ambulance bay. The new station is much larger – we have four full bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a half bath, a board room, a day room, a computer room, a full kitchen… Our team is far more comfortable here, and we still have room to grow.”

Strategic Partnership, Proven Results

THD EMS currently averages 1200 calls per year. Considering the agency’s response growth, data shows that Teague’s collections increased by 42% over the last three years, resulting in a 20% boost in cash-per-transport. Beyond the billing outcomes, Director Flippin values EMERGICON’s guidance in identifying additional revenue opportunities. “EMERGICON has directed us towards different places and programs, like TASPP, to apply for grants we were previously unaware of. The team opened the door, suggested we might qualify, and connected us with the right people.”

Customer service is another area in which Director Flippin praises EMERGICON. “We have one point of contact who resolves most of our issues, and if he can’t, he connects us directly with whoever we need to speak to. We don’t feel like we’re just a number. When we need something, we can pick up the phone and talk to a real person instead of an automated system. We usually get an answer the same day. It’s a very personal and personalized customer service approach.”

“EMERGICON was an answer to prayers. The team has gone above and beyond to help us, and the growth we’ve seen has been tremendous. Alongside our increase in call volume, we know that our reimbursement has grown because of EMERGICON’s relentless efforts.”

Photos Credit: Teague Hospital District – EMS