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AirMedCare director tells Claiborne County: network membership can't prevent other providers from being dispatched
Summary
AirMedCare National Director Jason Monday told commissioners the company cannot prevent hospitals or local EMS from summoning out-of-network flight providers; county officials said EMS protocols tied to the local hospital are under review.
Jason Monday, National Director with AirMedCare, addressed the commission about recent complaints that members faced unexpected out-of-pocket expenses when a different flight provider was dispatched. Monday explained the limits of the network's control: "AirMedCare cannot control the local hospital calling in another provider for any flight service." He added that "the only guarantee for zero out-of-pocket expenses is when patient is flown by GMR transport," the operator in-network for the region.
UT Lifestar Director Matthew Owens told the commission that, where possible, families or other authorized parties can request AirMedCare specifically when a flight is needed. County Mayor Joe Brooks said EMS dispatch protocols are currently tied to Claiborne Hospital/Covenant Health, which typically receives the first call and therefore often triggers the in-network provider; county staff will examine whether operational changes are feasible.
What happens next: County officials said they will review EMS dispatch procedures and coordination with private air-ambulance providers to clarify how patients and families can minimize out-of-pocket costs.
