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Ambulance billing improves but proposed fee increases returned to Public Safety
Summary
Ambulance billing showed billing at an all-time high and a net positive of about $52,000 through September, but collection rates remain below target at ~36%; a planned fee schedule increase was postponed by Public Safety and will return with smaller increases next month.
County staff reported improvements in ambulance billing and a small net positive through September, but said collections remain below target and a proposed fee increase will be revised.
The presenter said billings are at an all-time high and average billed per call is roughly $1,500, producing a net positive of about $52,000 through September. However, the percent collected for outstanding bills is around 36%, down from about 40% a year ago and short of the department's goal of 50%.
Staff described efforts to increase paid transports — which typically pay at a higher rate and improve collections — and said work with hospitals and the billing vendor has improved billing accuracy. They also noted staff shortages have kept expenses down but limit capacity.
An updated ambulance fee schedule was presented to the Public Safety committee and later brought to Finance for awareness; Public Safety postponed action because the proposed increases were substantial. The presenter said an amended fee proposal with smaller increases will be returned to Public Safety next month for further consideration.
Committee members asked questions about aging receivables, changes in billing vendors over the last two years, and collection strategies. Staff said more transports and steady billing practices are the most impactful ways to improve ambulance finances.
