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Board Approves Increased Ambulance Transport Fees; County Estimates $120,000 Yearly Revenue
Summary
After a presentation from emergency management, the board approved an updated ambulance-fee schedule that the county says should increase annual reimbursements by about $120,000; the changes were set to take effect April 1, 2025.
The Surry County Board of Supervisors approved a revision to ambulance transportation fees at its March 6 meeting after a presentation from the county's emergency management and billing staff.
Chief of Emergency Management and county staff recommended updating a fee schedule last approved in June 2020. The recommendation presented to the board included changes described in the staff report as: an adjustment to the basic life support fee, increases to advanced life support (levels 1 and 2), removal of the "treat, no transport" fee, and an increase in mileage reimbursement from $14.25 per mile to $20 per mile. County staff said these changes were based on assessments from the contractor that handles billing and that insurance carriers typically reimburse at the updated rates.
Staff estimated the change would generate an additional $120,000 in annual revenue to help offset the county's contract costs for 24-hour medical transport services. The county proposed that the new fees take effect April 1, 2025.
Supervisor Amy Drury asked about potential impacts from proposed state or federal changes to Medicaid or Medicare reimbursement levels; staff replied the billing company regularly evaluates insurer payments and the county would accept insurers' allowed amounts if reimbursements change.
Supervisor Calhoun moved the proposed fee changes; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board recorded no named dissent at the meeting.
