ALS 1 (Advanced Life Support) - Services should be medical treatment or procedures provided to the patient beyond the scope of an EMT-Basic as defined by the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education and Practice Blueprint.
ALS 2 - Services should be defined as Advanced Life Support services provided to a patient, including any of the following procedures: manual defibrillation, endotracheal intubation, central venous line, cardiac pacing, chest decompression, surgical airway or interosseous line and the administration of three (3) or more medications.
BLS (Basic Life Support) - Services should be medical treatment or procedures to a patient as defined by the National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Education and Practice Blueprint for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic.
Compassionate Billing Policy – No one will EVER be denied necessary medical transport service due to either their inability to pay or a lack of insurance. Compassionate billing is intended to eliminate or minimize out-of-pocket expenses for ambulance services for those who do not have the means to pay. Priority may be given to county residents. Any person receiving emergency medical transport may submit a waiver request form stating a financial hardship. Appropriate financial documentation will be required.
EOB (Explanation of Benefits) - This form, provided to the insured persons by insurance companies, explains the claims processed by the insurance company for benefits provided to the insured.
Fair Billing - If a locality/agency decides to bill for EMS services, everyone receiving service must receive a bill/statement, whether they have insurance or not.
OIG (Office of Inspector General) - There have been several opinions issued by the OIG that allow local governments to accept the local taxes paid to count as the copay for County residents. This would eliminate any out-of-pocket cost for County residents who pay taxes.
Point to Point - This is one type of method to measure mileage for EMS transports. Mileage will be recorded from the location where the transport begins to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
Transport - Transport of a patient from the location of the incident scene or center point of transport where an incident scene or address is located to a hospital or other facility where the patient is transported.