QMC EMS | Board & Collar

Unless you live under that pre-verbial EMS rock, you have probably have had more than one response for breathing problems.  These calls come in all shapes and sizes...mild, moderate and life-threatening severe.  If you have been in the business for any length of time, you've probably experienced multiples of each.  In this edition of The QMC Board & Collar we look at the need for clear and concise documentation of these patients given how different each can be while having the same chief complaint. Without documenting these cases well, one could have trouble with trouble breathing calls.         Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Efficient processing of patient care reports (PCRs) are paramount to ensure reimbursement and a sound cash flow for your organization.  Is your processing system/billing office current with today's technology to always be in step with payers?  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar takes a look at technology, your billing office and efficient processing of claims.     Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Here in the Northeastern US we have had a very wet Summer with torrential rains and flooding in areas that typically, never flood.  With these rising waters comes the need to manage multiple patients over a very short period of time.  Evacuations, relocations and caring for those who typically cannot care well for themselves are all part of the chaos that is created when flooding occurs.  In addition, we have illnesses and injuries specific to the catastrophic conditions that further complicate the job we do.  This session looks at the aftermath of dealing with collecting dollars for emergent services rendered when heavy storms, flash flooding and overall, inclement weather hits your town.     Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

In many cases, the pre-auth is your "ride ticket" toward reimbursement for patient transportation services rendered by your organization.  The words, "No ticket, no pay" come to mind with many patients who have been pre-authorized for ambulance transportation by their insurance provider.  It's important to not broad brush this and think that all pre-auths are created equal.  There's much more to these powerful pieces of paper that we will cover in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.     Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

So, on my way into work this morning, I came across an accident.  Two cars and lots of challenges with morning traffic trying to navigate around the accident as the medics worked to assist those injured.  Yes, they were doing the job that they chose to do but there is something about this group of dedicated individuals  that overwhelms me every time I see them caring for those suddenly stricken ill or injured.  Given this, I present to you my thoughts and observations in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.     Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

McDonald's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, Burger King, Five Guys, Dunkin', Kentucky Fried, Popeye's, Arby's, Denny's, Dairy Queen, Chik-Fil-A, Hardees, Subway, Sonic, Rally's.  Treat yourself better.  Don't do it in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar. Written by:  Nutrition Action Healthletter (April 2017)Presented by:  G. Harvat      

In this edition of the QMC Board & Collar, we take a look at eMedicare's new tool that came available for IOS and Android in January of this year.   While it is primarily built for Medicare consumers, it has some good information within as it pertains to ambulance transports and how Medicare views coverage of these types of patient transports.  We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this new tool from CMS as you will surely see it in use or have it referred to by many of your Medicare beneficiaries in the days ahead.    Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Welcome to Episode #2 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 spotlight 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        

Unless you've been wearing ear muffs and blinders, you probably have long-noticed that our industry is undergoing a great change.  While many can argue that regulations have not helped us with improved reimbursement,  some might say that these changes are part of growth which may lead to an improved picture for EMS nationally down the road.  Recently, CMS has proposed changes to the Physicians Certification Statement (PCS).  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar is a two-part series which reviews these changes as well as looks at how this will also affect the CMS Ambulance Data Collection System which continues to evolve.  It's been said before and is worth repeating...One thing for certain, change is inevitable.  Stay tuned. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  C. Humphrey      

Transport of Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) patients can be challenging for many reasons.  SNF patients typically have a host of medical problems that are sometimes challenging to manage in the field.  Once the field work is complete, comes the task of properly billing these patients to ensure that is done compliantly and according to all pertinent Medicare rules and regs.  This edition of The QMC Board & Collar examines pitfalls that can occur as it relates to billing these patients and hopefully, brings some clarity to this matter as well.   Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

So, were you able to get a better handle on how Medicare works from the previous Board & Collar Podcast on Defining Medicare (Dragon Tamer 101: Defining Medicare)?  If so, then great!  Now, that you have your arms around how Medicare works, here's your basic curve ball.  Try this episode on for size as we explore and work to define Medicaid.  There are many differences and also similarities to each.  We see those words again...under-funding, growing payer class and more.  Take a listen and don't be afraid to toggle through both podcasts to capture the gist of both government-funded programs.  Yep, all of this can be a bit overwhelming but we hope these Board & Collar presentations bring some clarity.  Onward troops, try your hand at taming this dragon too. Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

I truly wish I had a nickel for every time I uttered the word "Medicare."  Whether we like it or not, Medicare drives the healthcare industry.  As goes Medicare, so goes the other payers and so goes healthcare in the new millennium.   From an EMS standpoint, the word association game for Medicare includes terms and phrases like under-funding, largest portion of a community's payer mix and more.  As time moves forward, we will have to work with groups like the American Ambulance Association to ensure our collective EMS voice is heard by CMS.  Otherwise, we could go from bad to worse in the years ahead.  Before you plan on doing battle, you must have a baseline understanding of this dragon we call Medicare. In this Board & Collar episode, we will review and further define, Medicare. Remember, knowledge is power.      Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Well finally, Summer has arrived.  Warmer weather, swimming pools and outdoor fun.  Why, with all this beautiful weather are we seeing patients with the flu?  Very strange but it's happening across the country.  Are you ready to care for these patients and what portion of this patient population truly need to go via ambulance to a healthcare facility?  Well worth a "podversation" on this topic in this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.       Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

Where we goin' and what time we gonna get there?  The Emergency, Triage, Treat and Transport (ET3) Model is coming and it's important to know some facts behind it all as well as what's in store for the road ahead.  The process is moving and whether you are interested in being one of the initial applicants or just wish to watch this process unfold from the sidelines, it's important to have a baseline understanding before you make a determination, take a listen to this edition of The QMC Board & Collar.      Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat      

With the infamous words of Hank Williams, Jr., echoing in my ears, "Are You Ready for Some Football," the 2019-20 football season is underway.  Professional teams (my Steelers - sorry, Eagle, Giant, Cowboy, etc. fans), college teams and high school teams have reported to training camp and are preparing for another year on the gridiron.  As EMS providers, we get to see all types of injuries coming from this sport including muscle, bone and the ever-concerning, head injury.  It is important how, you not only treat these patients but also how you document the patient profile and the care you rendered.  We will examine this a bit closer in this episode of The QMC Board & Collar.     Written by:  C. HumphreyPresented by:  G. Harvat