AG 1992 05 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ambulance Rate Increases April 9, 1992 Page 2 My recommendations for the actual rate increase for ambulance calls are as follows: ~ 1. $185.00 Base Rate (Same rate for both ALS and BLS) Justification: Cabarrus County operates five - 24 hour per day ambulances. Each are staffed with at least one Paramedic in order to provide ALS care upon demand. All insurance carriers, as well as medicare, recognizes and approves a one rate charge on all calls with EMT/Paramedic level service. j 2. $5.00 Out-of-County - Per Mile Charge Justification: Each time an ALS unit transports a patient out-of-County it reduces our ability to cover emergency situations within Cabarrus County. Presently, we are averaging more than 350 man hours per month in out-of-county transports. 3. Oxygen Charge (No charge) Justification: The cost of oxygen has been included in the base rate of the ambulance transports. j 4. Additional Equipment Use (No charge) Justification: I recommended a $185.00 rate fee for all EMS calls. Most additional charges such as pharmaceuticals, cervical collars and oxygen deliver devices are exchanged with Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. This primarily leaves disposable equipment which in the past has been a no charge item. J 5. $75.00 ALS Charge - No Transport Justification: Many calls are received where patients do not wish transport after treatment has been initiated, i.e., the unconscious diabetic who receives D50 (sugar supplement) and then becomes a conscious and alert patient. At this point, if the patient does not wish transport, the cost of medical care would be recovered. 6. $185.00 Charge - Cabarrus Rescue Justification: Cabarrus Rescue is under contract with the County to provide backup ambulance support and transport for Cabarrus County EMS when their system is overloaded. Therefore, when used in that capacity they should be charging for the County.