Athens residents can expect improved emergency medical services following a recent discussion at the Mayor and Commission Special Called Work Session. The meeting highlighted the transition of National Ambulance to Priority Ambulance, the second-largest ambulance company in the U.S., which has brought significant changes to local emergency services.

Priority Ambulance's acquisition has allowed National to enhance its operational capabilities, including better wages and benefits for staff, making it one of the highest-paid emergency medical services in the region. The leadership team, including Operations Manager Tracy LaFlamme, emphasized their commitment to recruiting and retaining qualified personnel, ensuring that only the best are hired to serve the community.

A key focus of the meeting was the need for transparency in service delivery and billing practices. Officials discussed the importance of providing raw data on ambulance response times and daily operations to build trust within the community. The Mayor expressed concerns about the financial burden on employees who face high ambulance bills, particularly when insurance does not cover these costs adequately.

The discussion also touched on the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with local hospitals, which has been in place for over a decade, with both Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County contributing $100,000 annually to support operations. However, there are calls for a review of these agreements to ensure that all employees, including those from the University of Georgia, are covered under the ambulance service.

Priority Ambulance representatives acknowledged the challenges posed by insurance negotiations, particularly with major providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, which complicate reimbursement processes. They are actively seeking to establish in-network status with various insurers to alleviate financial pressures on patients.

As the community looks forward to these improvements, the commitment to transparency and enhanced service delivery remains a priority for local officials and emergency service providers alike. The next steps will involve ongoing discussions with hospitals and insurance companies to ensure that Athens residents receive the best possible emergency care without the burden of unexpected costs.