QMC EMS | Board & Collar

In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar we salute our volunteers. Quite frankly, we are amazed at how they balance managing an ambulance service with all the regulations, changes and needs coupled with their "real" professional life - not to mention, a family in the mix as well  Volunteer ambulance managers and staff need a support system in place to keep them afloat as regulatory issues have no borders as to how an organization is chartered.  We explore this challenge and extend our thanks to those who perform this service as caring souls and simply for the good of their community.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Hard to believe it's been over two decades since HIPAA strolled into the back of our ambulance and for that matter, all of healthcare.  Are you in the loop or are you still thinking this will just go away like disco music?  Trust us, HIPAA is growing stronger than it was back in 1996.  Take a visit down HIPAA Lane and get re-acquainted with our old friend on this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

All of us who have grown up in the world of EMS have come to realize that it's not about just what we do, but that what we do does translate into making a difference.  In many cases, we document our findings, assessment and key interventions but don't always document the positive impact that has occurred as a result of our actions.  Document the difference you make and go ahead, pat yourself on the back in today's QMC Board & Collar.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Every EMS organization across the nation has these patients... they are a challenging group of individuals we've come to term, Frequent Flyers. As you know, this has nothing to do with rewards points for air travel.  Today's Board & Collar presentation provides key tips on managing this patient population through both a day-to-day and an overall, unified approach. Please take a listen and repeat (get it?) as necessary. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

The most recent EMS buzz words seem to be Community Paramedicine.  While no one can truly argue with the concept, the question remains as to how we will be reimbursed and how all EMS organizations can take on this challenge without a level playing field being introduced by ranking officials and CMS.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

How is the Affordable Care Act affecting your EMS Organization as it evolves right now?  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar,  we take a close look at how those individuals with coverage doesn't always mean a payment for your professional services is forthcoming.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Pain...A common response to most injuries and maladies we see in the field.  Are you documenting the pain to its fullest on your PCR?  Are you establishing baselines with your patient through good communication practice?  These things all play a key role in recording pain severity and your narrative should be reflective of the many facets of patient pain.  We will take a closer look at PAIN in today's QMC Board & Collar.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

So, your long-time, community-based, volunteer organization has decided to make the move to add paid staff to your roster.  Have you looked at this closely?  Have you done your due diligence and understand the plusses and the minuses associated with this consideration?  Be smart and be careful.  Adding paid staff may not be the answer. We explore this subject further in today's edition of the QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

This Board & Collar episode takes a look at the importance behind building relationships that go beyond those with established with our brothers and sisters in public safety.  For the patient's best interest and continued growth of your organization, relationships with all levels of healthcare are paramount. We explore this topic a bit further.  Novel idea?  Well, it shouldn't be. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Recently introduced House Bill 3350 proposes to amend Title 38 of the United States Code and allow for the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans for the cost of emergency medical transportation to a Federal healthcare facility.  This could prove to be a big win for EMS and even a larger win for our country's veterans. Win/Win?  Let's hope. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

Cardiac arrests can be challenging both during the incident and after the response when the provider tries to re-assemble the timeline of events to properly document the incident.  This segment of The QMC Board & Collar takes a closer look at documenting these cases to better assist you with this challenging dilemma. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

This Board & Collar podcast explores and hopefully, brings clarity to the topic of Physician Certification Statements (PCS).  For years, confusion has circled about as to who can sign, who can't sign and how many signatures does this darn document need.  With any luck at all, this Keynote Presentation should better help you through the murky PCS waters.  Ugh... Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat   

It's important for all EMS providers to understand how CMS and commercial payers look at the charges your organization seeks for professional services rendered. This Board & Collar presentation reviews how charges are applied, coded and hopefully, paid to your EMS organization.  Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

This edition of The QMC Board & Collar provides key focal points regarding proper documentation for child patients.  Children as patients are never easy to manage but here are some tips to ensure that you document permissions, care and transport properly.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat     

Recent articles and commissioned reports across various platforms have begun to tab balance billing using the phrase "Surprise Billing." Reports paint the ambulance industry and the overall healthcare industry in an unfavorable light.  It's important for you and your organization to be knowledgeable of this mindset that exists as our industry strives to collect reimbursement beyond what insurance companies are paying.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar re-examines this topic and takes a look at how the subject is under many a microscope right now.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat