Med Fleet COO Jeff Taylor defends ambulance service amidst market competition concerns

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners convened on December 10, 2024, to discuss critical issues surrounding local ambulance services, particularly the application for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) by Med Fleet Ambulance and other providers. The meeting featured significant input from various stakeholders, including hospital representatives and ambulance service providers.

Samantha Wells, director of a local freestanding emergency department, expressed concerns about the potential saturation of the ambulance market if multiple providers were allowed to operate simultaneously. She emphasized the importance of continuity of care, advocating for local hospitals to manage their own patient transports rather than introducing outside companies. Wells noted that her facility has had no complaints regarding patient transport from the emergency department, highlighting effective communication with Med Fleet.

Jeff Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Med Fleet, provided a detailed overview of the company’s history and operations in Citrus County. He defended Med Fleet's long-standing presence and commitment to the community, asserting that they have been responsive to local needs. Taylor pointed out that there are currently four licensed ground transport providers in the county, including Med Fleet, and argued that the introduction of additional providers could lead to inefficiencies and confusion in patient care.

Taylor also addressed concerns regarding the types of services offered by Med Fleet, clarifying that they focus on emergency medical transport rather than non-emergency services like wheelchair or stretcher transport. He presented data indicating that many local facilities do not frequently require ambulance services, countering claims made in previous surveys about the demand for such services.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of ambulance service rates. Taylor raised concerns about the proposed fee schedules from competing providers, suggesting that they might not comply with federal regulations regarding pricing. He urged the commission to consider the long-term sustainability of ambulance services in the county, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that does not compromise service quality.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the commissioners faced a challenging decision regarding the approval of new ambulance service applications. The discussions highlighted the complexities of balancing local needs, service quality, and market competition in the provision of emergency medical services.

In conclusion, the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners will need to weigh the input from local healthcare providers and ambulance services as they deliberate on the future of emergency transport in the region. The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for patient care and the operational landscape of ambulance services in Citrus County.