Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fire chief says EMS transport billing practice needs formal policy; board asks for written policy
Summary
The fire chief reported existing EMS transport billing practice and collection limits, said many past collection problems came from paperwork and third-party reimbursement, and the board asked staff to bring a written EMS transport policy to the next meeting.
During the fire department presentation the chief described the town's EMS transport billing practice and recent changes after switching billing companies. He said the department bills everyone for transport, but courts and collections processes limit pursuing certain groups (for example disabled veterans or people on SSI), and that past billing-company problems had hampered collections. "The only thing that has changed since I've been chief...everyone has to receive a bill for EMS transport," the chief said, and he described a need for clearer internal documentation and routing.
Board members agreed a formal EMS transport policy should be created and available in town offices and with the chief. One selectman asked the chief and staff to draft a written policy and bring it to the next meeting; the chief and staff agreed. The board did not adopt a policy at this meeting but gave clear direction to prepare one and to ensure record-keeping and billing procedures are aligned with the new billing company.
