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Port Washington approves countywide paramedic intercept agreement with flat fees
Summary
The commission approved a multi‑jurisdictional paramedic intercept agreement negotiated by Ozaukee County fire chiefs that sets a flat $400 fee for ALS transports or on‑scene resuscitation and $200 for ALS care when transport does not occur; the agreement standardizes billing and includes termination and superseding‑agreement provisions.
The Port Washington Police and Fire Commission approved moving forward with a multi‑jurisdictional paramedic intercept agreement that standardizes how Ozaukee County departments bill for paramedic intercept services.
Fire/EMS leadership told the commission the agreement replaces older 50/50 revenue‑split arrangements that created lengthy reimbursement delays. The chiefs’ group recommended a flat‑rate model: $400 for calls that result in transport or where resuscitation/advanced care is provided on scene, and $200 for calls in which paramedic care is provided but the patient is not transported. The agreement includes language addressing superseding agreements (for jurisdictions with existing referendums or other arrangements), a provision not to bill if the intercept unit is canceled en route without patient contact, and a 60‑day written termination clause for parties choosing to leave the agreement.
Chiefs said the change should reduce administrative burden and shorten reimbursement timelines (the department expects billing to be handled by its third‑party billing service, with payments in roughly 30–60 days versus months). Commissioners discussed annual review of the fee schedule by the county fire chiefs and confirmed that any countywide fee increase would require consensus among participating chiefs.
The motion to approve the agreement passed by voice vote; municipal adoption across participating jurisdictions remains necessary for full implementation. The commission noted that some interlocal agreements that currently supersede the county agreement will remain effective until they are terminated or replaced.
