06/09/2023
Lets see what this stirs up shall we.
I joined EMS back in 1997 when the general public was happy to greet you at the door in their time of need. They didn't care if you had a uniform on or shorts and a T-shirt. Fast forward to 2023 and I hear everyone complaining about how EMS didn't get there fast enough or all that was done was a blood pressure and a ride to the hospital, and It takes everything I have to not post on these "bloggers" sites because I have to maintain a neutral position. I will however make some statements on a few subjects with regards to EMS. This is only my opinion, and the facts may vary from state to state, and I can only express my opinion based on my experiences as a past paramedic and in no way is meant insult any persons or their roles in public safety.
1. Why do we as a society place a higher value on property than our lives and health? If we placed the same value on our lives, then I would be willing to bet that the EMS service would have the same benefits and financial support from our governments as does the fire departments and police departments. Ask yourselves how much in taxes you pay each year for fire protection but when EMS is looking for support, we cry about paying more in taxes.
2. Insurance payments- Let's get a few things clear.
Medicare has a maximum allowable amount they will pay MINUS and co-pays or deductibles. This means that on a plan with a $200 co-pay, a maximum allowable amount of $400 and a bill that costs $1000, Medicare will only pay the ambulance provider $200. You as the patient is responsible for the remaining $200 and by law we cannot collect on the balance.
Medicaid - Follows the same rule, except there are no deductibles and if Medicaid pays $200, that's it. You do not get more than that and cannot bill for the difference.
Private (non Medicare plans) - If and only if you have met your deductible is when the ambulance will receive payment for the full $1000. And even then, if the ambulance is a non-par or out of network provider the insurance will send the payment to the patient and the ambulance now has to try and collect that from the patient direct.
3. EMS is not your local restaurant where you complain about your service means you're going to get a free meal. You chose your insurance plan and if you have a high deductible or co-payment, then take responsibility and pay it.
4. Understand that EMS is either ALS or BLS with a few variations in-between.
ALS = Advanced Life Support. This is where the Paramedic who has far greater training and is experienced in medication administration, EKG interpretation, pain management and a whole slew of other things that would make the average person ask why they didn't just go to med school and most likely your condition at the time of dispatch has a potential to be life-threatening.
BLS = Basic life support. Don't expect a drive to the hospital with lights and sirens as this level of care means your condition is most likely non-life-threatening.
Balanced billing - I'm not even going to dive into this one because everyone seems to think they know more than everyone else. Read the balance billing laws is my best advice.
EMS is overworked, understaffed and underappreciated among other things but most importantly most if not all of them love what they do and that's why they do it. Don't penalize an entire system and your community simply because you're not happy with things. Ask your community representatives, local EMS agencies and everyone else you can think of and be a part of the solution.
There is a whole set of rules and regulations that need to be followed for EMS services both for billing guidelines as well as local state and federal patient care protocols that must be followed, and although we do not have all the answers, we can point you in the right direction if you wish.
Now I must apologize for my rant and hope you all have a great and safe weekend. Remember to pull over for Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens. :)
