QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Some folks hear the acronym CDC and immediately think Centers for Disease Control. However, in the EMS industry, the acronym brings about a new meaning hitting our backyard very soon - Cost Data Collection.  In this second Board & Collar podcast, Chuck makes this sometimes confusing topic, a bit easier to understand and the implications it brings.  Folks, pay attention to this topic as "our" CDC affects everyone who has any leadership responsibilities in any ambulance service across our great nation. This thing has teeth so pay attention and don't get bit.  Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  C. Humphrey          

Welcome to this Special Edition of Excuse My Medic.  Today, we explore how ambulance services across the country are accepting credit card payments in much greater volume than once was used previously.  Joining us today is the Chief Executive Officer of eServices Technology, Jesse Siefert.  Jesse provides a unique overview of the credit card industry and how it now integrates with patient payments given the rising deductibles and increased co-pays associated with today's health insurance plans.  If your organization is not accepting credit card payments you may be missing out on valuable dollars.  Take a listen and learn the plusses and the pitfalls of accepting "plastic" at your EMS organization.  Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey and Gary Harvat        

Did you enjoy that week's vacation over Labor Day?  I hope so but for some of our colleagues and friends, vacation was cut short due to this lady named Dorian who devastated the Bahamas and cities along our mainland.  Dorian's wrath did injured many and sadly, a number of people lost their lives.  EMS was there once again to assist and work through the terror that Dorian evoked.  While we were saddened by the loss of life, we were heartened that ambulance services from across the country went south into the storm to help where they could.  Not many people run into danger but EMS, police and fire step forward and come to help those affected in every case like this.  Once the storm passes and the assisting teams return home, there is still much to consider.  This episode of the EMS Board & Collar pays homage to those who are always there in disaster situations. Chuck also passes along a few tips to ensure that your organization can obtain some limited form of remuneration for the time you have committed to going, caring and lending a helping hand.  Kudos to all who have made the choice to be Riders on the Storm. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  C. Humphrey          

Welcome to Episode #3 of Excuse My Medic (EM2).  EM2 is a pod magazine for EMS Professionals which brings you headline stories, interesting news and even a few light-hearted moments with Chuck and Gar.  In this episode we will further explore Part 2 the proposed CMS Ambulance Cost Data Collection System and the impact it will have on your organization.  Also in this edition, Positive News, The EMS Word of the Day and a couple of zany stories from the "What were you thinking?" files that we are sure you will enjoy. Stop by for an entertaining and informative EM2.   Your Hosts:  Chuck Humphrey and Gary Harvat        

So, how are you enjoying your Summer?  Great, eh?  Good, take it all in because, it's just about history...over...done.  Here comes Fall 2019 and with the leaves and the cooler temperatures comes even more fun for those of us in EMS and it's called FLU SEASON (hold the applause please).  Yes, get ready for the "flu-like symptoms" responses and the catch-all from your 911 center squawks through the radio as, you know it....generalized weakness.  Today, on The QMC Board and Collar we look at properly documenting these cases which you will be sure to have in the days ahead.  Get ready for it, a Bug Named Flu is on its way to a neighborhood near you.  Welcome Fall.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

Without question, probably the most misunderstood and misrepresented form in the ambulance business.  The Advance Beneficiary Notice rears its ugly head daily in our industry primarily because providers are just not sure about when or when not to use the form.  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar,  we will help sort through this Ball of Confusion and set the record straight on the ABN or more confusingly known as CMS-R-131 (v.03-11).  Ugh...Great Googa Mooga! Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

While the thought of Zzzzs may equate to a good night's sleep, in the EMS industry,  Zs remain part of the detailed coding now required to process your PCR for payment.  Z-codes play a unique role of enabling the coder to drill down to further specify a patient's illness or injury.  Without these codes illness and injuries remain somewhat generic in nature and as a result, create more opportunity for denials of claims.   Z-codes have been a critical coding component for several years now and in this episode of The QMC Board & Collar we look closer at how Z-codes correlate to the PCR you write.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

The other day, I had a conversation with a co-worker and throughout the conversation both he and I used multiple acronyms - all which have originated from CMS (acronym for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).  I thought to myself, goodness, there are a ton of healthcare acronyms out there today, aren't there?  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar we will continue to use acronyms to detail the Social Security Number Removal Initiative or SSNRI (yet, another acronym) as well as the new MBI (one more acronym - Medicare Beneficiary Identifier) or the MBN (Medicare Beneficiary Number) as well as the HICN (Health Insurance Claim Number).  Confused yet?  Stay with us, we will get you through it and hopefully, you will understand WTH (What the Heck) these shortened terms of the English language are all about!  HAGD, TJU!   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

They don't occur that often but when they do, Specialty Care Transports (SCTs) present to the provider a unique cloud of uncertainty when it comes to documenting these "Misunderstood" transports.  While they have long been a part of the EMS Transportation industry, SCTs seem to come as somewhat of a phenomena when making sure billing prerequisites are well-covered to process the trip for payment.  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar, we explore this subject matter and hopefully, bring some clarity to this topic.     Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

Today, nothing happens without good, solid data to backup every decision that governments and corporations make.  Even professional sports teams use analytical data on such things as how to pitch to power hitters or where to position the fielders when a specific batter comes to the plate.  From an EMS perspective, with good data we can look to better structure the Medicare ambulance fee schedule to reflect the true costs of providing ambulance services. We will also be able to use the data to pursue providing medical care and reimbursement which is not just tied to transporting patients to facilities.  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar we stand on the mound and view into the catcher for signals on how this new data collection system will evolve.  It's going to be an interesting game ahead that may go into extra innings before a full outcome is achieved.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  C. Humphrey          

Writing well-documented patient care narratives is extremely important but chronological entry of events within the report is also key for many reasons.  One of the largest problems with reports is incorrect entry of times to include time of event to time of medication introduction.  Accurate time entry is paramount in every patient care report and providers need to pay attention to ensure that all chronological entries are correct.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar takes a closer look at time and the importance of both a good narrative which denotes accurate event times.    Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

Well, we've all had them...Those patients who are stricken seriously ill that, for one reason or another, want to ambulate on their own volition to the ambulance.  Not uncommon in our industry but how does CMS and all the other payers feel about patients who walk this way?  Medical necessity is fairly well-defined and we are all forced to comply.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar looks closing at those who walk (or crawl) and how payers view them (dub in Steven Tyler and the hit tune from  Aerosmith now).   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat          

How many times have you heard the horror stories about those individuals behind in finishing their patient care reports (PCRs)?  Typically, these individuals are not behind by one or two but sometimes, ten, twenty or even more.  Ugh.  How can anyone recall the patient interaction from ten days prior?  That's absolutely impossible (sorry for the editorial comment).  While most states have rules for timely completion, the question remains as to how well this is policed and to be honest, why must something as important as report writing be put on the back burner?  Yes, I know, your organization runs call after call but timely report writing is part of the patient care process and it is your responsibility to get them completed.  In this episode of The QMC Board & Collar we'll take a quick look at how to avoid life's simple distractions that will hopefully, help you get those PCRs completed on time. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Multiple trauma patients challenge our professional senses when carrying out the delivered care in the field.  We are called to use all of our talents and training to ensure a positive outcome for each patient.  For many reasons, this doesn't always come easy.  Part of the pre-hospital care plan is to ensure that all we did for the patient(s) is well-documented for both the clinical staff at the trauma center for ongoing care as well as to make sure we protect ourselves long after the call has ended.  Clear, concise documentation is key and must paint a true picture of these challenging patient types.  This episode of The QMC Board & Collar looks at the drama behind the trauma patient and making sure you covered every aspect of the care you delivered in the patient care report (PCR).    Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

It's one thing to write your PCR and have it out of the way so you can move onto documenting your next patient care report.  However, can your front office do the billing for every report you write?  In many cases, there are 3 reasons why even some of the best written reports don't contain the proper elements to process your PCR to payers and ultimately have your organization paid for services rendered.  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar, we explore the primary reasons your billing office may not be able to process your PCR for payment.       Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat