AGENDA DATE: 5/4/2016
TITLE:
Title
EMS Cost Recovery Rate Increase
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution to establish a new schedule of fees for Emergency Medical Service Vehicle Transport Services
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Blair, Eggleston
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND:
On September 9, 2009, the Board adopted an ordinance authorizing the County to establish an emergency medical service (EMS) cost recovery program, which would charge fees for EMS vehicle transports provided by the Department of Fire and Rescue and any volunteer rescue squad that applied for and was issued a permit to charge fees. The Board directed staff to establish a billing system to be operable by February 1, 2010.
Soon after the Board's September 9, 2009 meeting, the County procured the services of a contractor to act as the billing agent for the County and the Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad ("SVRS"), the only volunteer rescue squad that applied for and was issued a permit to charge fees as of that date. The Board adopted a Resolution to establish fees for EMS transports on December 2, 2009, and directed that fees be periodically reviewed to assure that such fees stay within the industry average and to keep pace with Medicare and Medicaid rates, which typically increase annually. Staff and members of the SVRS worked together to develop and implement an extensive public information plan to inform the public about the EMS Cost Recovery program, and on February 1, 2010, ambulances stationed at Monticello, Hollymead, and Scottsville Volunteer Rescue Squad began billing for EMS transports.
On March 7, 2012, the Board adopted a Resolution to establish a new schedule of fees for EMS transports based on changes to the Medicare Allowable Rates and the update...
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