Milton approves RightSight telehealth partnership for nonemergency 911 calls; council records 5‑to‑1 decision

The Milton City Council voted to approve a health‑services contract with RightSight Health Physicians LLC that allows Milton Fire Rescue and dispatch to transfer selected nonemergency 911 calls to a telehealth provider for virtual assessment and care coordination.

Mark Haskins presented the proposal on behalf of Fire Chief Gabe Ben Moussa. He said the service would be offered initially in the field by paramedics and could also be initiated at dispatch when callers report nonurgent issues. Haskins said there is no direct cost to the city: RightSight has negotiated rates with insurers and typically charges telehealth co‑pays; uninsured patients are not billed by RightSight. The company also can arrange nonambulance transportation and prescription delivery at no charge to the patient. Haskins said Georgia providers have used the program for more than 5,000 activations with a reported 90% diversion from emergency room transport in many use cases.

Councilmember Jan Jacobus moved to approve agenda item 25‑087; Councilmember Juliet Johnson seconded. Voting recorded 5 yes votes and 1 abstention. The meeting record does not name the abstaining councilmember in the tally provided at roll call, though the speaker who explained the abstention cited concerns that the program could create an expectation of free services and asked for further detail on long‑term payment expectations.

Supporters said the telehealth option could reduce costly ambulance and ER transports for nonemergency calls and keep ambulances available for critical incidents. Haskins said paramedics would remain on scene for initial assessment, and care would transfer to a RightSight physician only with patient consent and a signed refusal of transport if appropriate. The council approved the contract despite one abstention; staff will proceed with implementation steps if legal and procurement reviews are complete.